Experts discuss "the latest global energy revolution"

Évora Hotel hosted the Symposium on microgrids of the U.S. government

João Torres, manager of the EDP Distribuição, explained that this event confirms Portugal’s international credibility, more precisely Évora, as this country is at the forefront of the transformation in electricity distribution. "They chose this city because it is a reference. It hosts the InovGrid project and the InovCity, which have managed to have a great impact internationally," he confirmed. And he continued: "For us, the fact that they chose Évora as an example to show to such a high level group is a source of pride. Here, visitors had the opportunity to get to know what we have been doing over the past years in the energy sector."

The manager of the EDP Distribuição highlighted that the group included representatives of countries where there are already similar projects underway and some experiences similar to what is being done in Évora. "But there are other cases where researchers came to learn about the product and to see how it can be implemented in their own countries," he said.

As part of this project, the energy consumers in Évora can actually produce energy, which makes them producers also. In this sense, João Torres said that the number of customers who want to participate in this project and thus become energy producers has been growing exponentially.

"In Portugal, there are roughly about 20 thousand micro-producers. In Évora we have a hundred and we expect this number to gradually grow, "he stressed. However, due to the costs involved, this "is not yet affordable to everyone" and there are still many consumers "waiting to have the necessary funds in order to take this step."

"They chose this city as it is a reference for hosting the InovGrid project and the InovCity, which have managed to have a great impact internationally," he confirmed

The manager highlighted, however, that the information EDP Distribuição has received is that costs are decreasing moderately, "which means that the investment can be recovered within a shorter period and people will start looking at it as a solution for energy use." João Torres said that it would be interesting to verify the way people deal with electricity, "introducing micro-production solutions which allow consumers to become more aware and more active in the way they manage their energy use."

The representative of EDP Distribution reiterated the "giant step" that this company has given in adapting the distribution of electricity to new market needs, taking advantage of the new technological paradigms brought about by exploiting renewable microgeneration.

It is important to remember that the InovCity pilot-project, led by EDP Distribuição, leverages microgeneration and electric mobility solutions, and that is the reason why the visit to the InovCity facilities marked the end of the 8th edition of the Symposium on microgrids. At the end of the Symposium participants will be able to visit the InovCity store, at the heart of the city of Évora. "This will be an opportunity to understand what has changed in the lives of the 33 thousand customers who are part of this project. This confirms the pioneering role that Portugal is playing in the global energy revolution".

Diário do Sul, 5 September 2012