The island of Berlenga is an example of what can be achieved to meet the objectives of the energy transition. Thanks to the new energy production and distribution system implemented by EDP Distribuição, in close collaboration with Peniche City Council and the Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation, the island is now more sustainable.
The project called "Sustainable Berlenga" represents an investment of around EUR 350,000, supported by EDP Distribuição, and includes the installation of photovoltaic panels in a rocky area, as well as an energy storage system and equipment that will allow remote control and monitoring from the company's command centre. This entire system, located above the Fishermen's Quarter, was designed and implemented according to strict criteria of landscape and environmental integration.
The inauguration ceremony took place this Wednesday, July 29th, and was attended by the Secretary of State for Nature Conservation, Forests and Spatial Planning, João Catarino, and the Deputy Secretary of State and Energy, João Galamba.
"With this investment made by EDP Distribuição in conjunction with the municipality, DGEG, ICNF, ERSE and other bodies, Berlenga now has access to renewable energy and is yet another example that the democratisation of energy is a fundamental pillar of the decarbonisation of the economy and the energy transition, and a right for all. This investment replaces fossil fuel with a renewable energy source, guaranteeing a greater and better quality of life for the island's inhabitants, making it a national and European reference. Berlenga becomes a 100% sustainable and 100% self-sustainable island", said João Galamba, Deputy Secretary of State for Energy.
Until now, the electricity supply on the island, located about 10 km from the coast, was of a few hours and conditioned to consumption, being carried out with diesel generators. Through this system, it was possible to replace the fuel by renewable energy sources, guaranteeing quality and continuity of service, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (around 40 tons per year) and the preservation of the natural heritage.
"This project allowed to find a more efficient and sustainable solution in the long term, making the island of Berlenga a reference. In this way, the Company reiterates its commitment to develop innovative technological solutions that respect the environment and contribute to the energy transition. The commitment of the various Entities is essential, particularly the Government and Municipalities, such as Peniche," assured João Marques da Cruz, EDP's executive director for distribution.
The environmental and economic gains associated with this project are expected to be determining factors in the process of reassessing the status of a World Biosphere Reserve.
"The recent installation on the island of Berlenga of a photovoltaic panel park has allowed us to overcome another stage in the consolidation of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve status, as well as providing that territory with equipment, infrastructure and services that will allow it to be understood in the near future as self-sufficient, more sustainable and protected," assured Henrique Bertino, mayor of Peniche, leaving a thank you to all those who made the project a reality.
"At this particularly happy time, and after many years of dreams, I would like to express my gratitude to the Deputy Secretary of State and Energy, Dr. João Galamba, for his understanding, decision and political determination, to EDP Distribuição for its perseverance, determination and enthusiasm in achieving this objective and to ERSE for its understanding of such a specific and sensitive situation. A word of thanks to all on behalf of those who truly love Berlenga Island", concluded the mayor.
