Younicos: Prime Minister of Portugal visits world’s first megawatt-scale renewable energy system on Graciosa

The Prime Minister of Portugal, Dr. António Costa, as well as the
President of the Azorean Government, Dr. Vasco Cordeiro, and other
high-level country officials have today visited the world’s first
megawatt-scale grid-forming renewable energy system, which is currently
being constructed on the Azorean island of Graciosa. They were joined by
executives from EDA, the island’s utility, system architect Younicos,
Swiss company Leclanché, the battery energy storage system provider, as
well as Recharge, the Danish majority investor in the project.

The official visit enabled Younicos to showcase the capabilities and
benefits of the groundbreaking project. The “island-mode” capability of
the project’s intelligent battery system will enable up to 100 percent
spontaneous renewable energy generation, making it possible for the
Portuguese island to replace an average of 65 percent of its fossil fuel
power with cheaper and cleaner renewable energy – saving millions of
euros and tons of CO2. This system can be easily replicated on other
islands with the same kind of benefits, and the same technology can be
used to support mainland grids.

“We are honored to host these distinguished officials and guests and
give them an up-close look at the future of renewable energy-based
systems,” said Stephen Prince, Younicos CEO. “This island is
breathtakingly beautiful – even more so now that its electricity can be
generated primarily from abundant natural resources like wind and solar.
Our intelligent software controls are the key to capitalizing on
renewables, maintaining grid resilience, reducing emissions and saving
money.”

A 1-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant and 3.2 MWh of
lithium-ion batteries have already been installed on the island. A 4.5
MW wind park is currently under construction. Once the system is
completed Younicos software and controls will enable the grid-forming
battery power plant provided by Leclanché to balance short-term power
fluctuations, allowing the island to be powered by wind and solar energy
– with existing diesel assets needed only for back-up power during
prolonged periods of unfavorable weather. Commissioning is expected in
summer 2016.

About Younicos

Younicos is a global leader for intelligent energy storage and grid
solutions. Clients benefit from technical expertise, commercial know-how
and in-depth experience built on nearly 100 megawatts installed in more
than 20 energy storage projects worldwide. The company was founded in
2005 in Berlin, Germany, and currently employs more than 150 storage
enthusiasts there and in Austin, Texas (USA). For more information
please visit http://www.younicos.com
and follow us on LinkedIn
and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160429005734/en/

News by QuoteMedia

www.quotemedia.com