In February 2020, a real one was inaugurated on the island of Graciosa, in the Azores islands renewable hybrid power plant. Thanks to this new energy solution, completed by the Wärtsilä technology group, the use of renewable energy will go from 15% to 65%, in order to make the best use of clean energy and meet the energy needs of the over 4.000 inhabitants of the island.
The power plant includes one storage technology energy that allows for a more resilient and sustainable power system. Energy storage is in fact necessary to overcome the intermittency of renewable sources, manage the frequency and quality of the power supplied and guarantee backup energy to meet demand peaks.
The island's entire energy management is monitored, integrated and optimized by advanced energy management software that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to optimize multiple power generation resources based on load patterns and weather forecasts.
The electricity supply of the islands presents a unique set of challenges, in particular the strong dependence on imports of liquid fuels, combined with the growing concern about climate change. The Graciólica project allows maximum renewable penetration, reduces dependence on imported liquid fuels and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Graciosa hybrid renewable power plant has the potential for eliminate about 190.000 liters of diesel per month.
