Regional Directorate for Energy supported 223 clean energy production devices in the first half of 2017
The Regional Directorate for Energy, through the PROENERGIA programme, supported 223 clean energy production devices in the first half of this year, 69 more than in the same period of 2016. The investment amounted to more than 140 thousand Euros, which represents an increase of support of 36% for this period.
The island of São Miguel is the most representative, registering 55% of the amount granted. It is followed by Terceira with 26% and Faial with 8%.
The devices that registered the highest number of applications in this programme were heat pumps (52%), heat recovery units (35%), solar collectors (10%) and solar thermal systems (3%). Heat recovery units are the devices that most contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
With regard to energy saving, heat pumps and solar collectors represent a saving of 284,913 kWh/year, while heat recovery units register a saving of 3,152 kWh per use.
In the first half of 2017, the Government also supported the acquisition of seven photovoltaic devices in order to promote the exploration of endogenous and renewable energy resources for energy microgeneration, representing a total installed capacity of 14 kW.
In view of the increase of applications registered and the number of beneficiaries who continue to apply for the programme, the Regional Directorate for Energy considers that the beneficiaries of PROENERGIA programme are more informed and aware of the importance of producing clean energy and preserving the environment, with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Under PROENERGIA, the projects eligible for support should involve investments in the exploration of renewable energy resources for microgeneration of electric or heat energy using endogenous resources. Moreover, it comprises projects involving investments in the use of solar thermal resources and heat pumps for water heating.
The programme is open to small and medium-sized companies, including sole proprietors, cooperatives, private social solidarity institutions, non-profit associations, individuals and condominiums. Beneficiaries may apply to the incentive scheme through the Regional Directorate for Energy Portal (http://www.azores.gov.pt/Gra/sreat-dre/), where further information is available.