Energy storage improves energy security in remote island in northern Azores, Portugal

A hybrid storage solution integrates and optimises wind, solar, storage and thermal generation assets on the island of Graciosa, in the Azores, Portugal.

Off the coast of Portugal, in the northern Azores, heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports, coupled with a growing climate crisis, puts the island of Graciosa in a very unique bind as it relates to energy security. Relying on oil, diesel and natural gas shipments has been a very expensive endeavor and traditionally the only option for isolated communities like Graciosa. Integrating renewable energy has not only become an economically viable alternative, it’s also a sustainable one.

The Graciosa Hybrid Renewable Power Plant enables 1 MW of solar, 4.5 MW of wind power and a 6 MW / 3.2 MWh energy storage system to be supplied to the local grid, reducing the islands’ reliance on petroleum imports and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Graciólica Lda’s end client, local utility EDA, anticipates this investment will boost renewable energy consumption from 15% to 65%. Not only does this reduce the island’s carbon footprint, but the hybrid island grid will also greatly impact the cost of energy going forward.

Graciosa is one of many islands pursuing a hybrid approach to island grid energy generation. This new hybrid renewable power plant is managed by the GEMS Digital Energy Platform, developed and installed by Wärtsilä. The result: an integrated power system combining renewables, engines, and energy storage that will deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

The GEMS software uses artificial intelligence and data to control and balance multiple energy assets, automatically optimising energy generation based on load patterns and weather forecasts, increasing the use of renewable energy and decreasing the cost of diesel power generation, while improving the reliability of the island’s energy grid.

This project represents the journey towards a 100% renewable energy future for the island that will deliver both economic and environmental benefits.