Graciólica project ready to inject and sell energy into the power grid, says Regional Director
The Regional Director for Energy revealed today on Graciosa Island that the Graciólica project was already granted an operating license that will enable the connection of this hybrid production system to the power grid.
Andreia Carreiro spoke on the sidelines of the last survey conducted by the Regional Directorate for Energy with a view to the licensing of the project for commercial purposes so that the energy produced may be injected into the power grid.
“The Graciólica project has been supplying Graciosa Island exclusively from renewable energy sources for more than 24 consecutive hours during its last testing phase. We are very enthusiastic about these figures as they reinforce the relevance of this project for the Azores," stressed Andreia Carreiro.
The Regional Director stressed that Graciosa Island "may now have, according to the test results, about 65% of its electricity produced from renewable sources, combined with an electricity storage system. This is a pioneering project that puts not only this island but also the entire archipelago at the forefront of cutting-edge technology use in the leveraging of natural resources for energy production purposes."
With an implementation period of 20 years, this investment was recognised as a project of regional interest. It has an overall budget of 22.5 million Euros, of which 4.5 million Euros were allocated in the form of non-repayable grants.
"Besides the benefits in terms of environmental sustainability, namely the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, the Graciólica project will contribute to the reduction in the import of fossil fuels to the Region," said Andreia Carreiro. In this context, she also mentioned "the impact in terms of the international projection arising from the implementation of this pioneering and innovative project in island territories."
“From this moment onwards, Graciosa reinforces its image as a privileged living laboratory, enhancing its ability to attract external investments and pilot projects based on emerging solutions that will harness its natural heritage,” said the Regional Director.