Iberdrola Portugal, part of the Iberdrola Group, is continuing to expand its efforts to make renewable energy more accessible through shared and community-based solar projects across the country. The company is developing a total of 10 solar communities in different regions of Portugal, with two already in operation and eight more currently under development.
These solar communities are designed to collectively share around 1.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity. Over time, this is expected to avoid more than 250,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to both cleaner energy use and reduced environmental impact. The initiative also supports broader electrification goals by increasing the availability of locally generated renewable power.
The core idea behind these projects is to create a more decentralised and participatory energy system. Instead of energy being generated only at large central plants and delivered to consumers, solar communities allow energy to be produced and shared locally, closer to where it is used.In this model, surplus electricity generated from photovoltaic (solar) installations can be shared with nearby households or businesses, even if they do not have their own solar panels.
This approach helps make renewable energy more inclusive by allowing a wider group of consumers to benefit from clean electricity without needing to install their own systems.By enabling this type of energy sharing, Iberdrola aims to improve overall energy efficiency and ensure better use of locally produced renewable power.
It also reduces energy waste by directing surplus solar generation to nearby users instead of losing it or feeding it back inefficiently into the broader grid.Beyond environmental benefits, these solar communities also create local economic and social value. They help lower electricity costs for participants, encourage community involvement in clean energy initiatives, and support regional development by embedding renewable infrastructure within local areas.
At a broader level, the initiative reflects Iberdrola’s strategy of promoting a more decentralised, resilient, and consumer-focused energy system. By combining renewable generation with shared access models, the company is helping accelerate the transition toward cleaner energy while making it more accessible and practical for everyday users across Portugal.
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