Data
Culatra is connected to mainland Portugal via a 15 kV submarine power cable, which has been supplying the community with electricity since 1992. However, this cable is prone to failure, causing frequent power outages.
To mitigate these problems, Culatra was temporarily equipped with a 410 kVA diesel generator, installed by the distribution system operator (DSO).
The island’s power grid operates at low voltage and, as a seasonal tourist destination, energy consumption on Culatra varies significantly throughout the year.
Consumption
Analysing the consumption data, it can be observed that the Culatra fishing village has an average annual consumption of 1,181 MWh, with a 49% increase in consumption during the summer months compared to the winter.
It was also found that Culatra's energy needs during the day are around 484.3 MWh.
It was therefore concluded that to meet this demand using solar energy, it would be necessary to install a photovoltaic system with a production capacity of around 309 kWp.
Currently, as a result of the Culatra 2030 Initiative, the island has five photovoltaic production units, totalling 85.8 kWp of installed capacity, which generates around 156.4 MWh per year, covering more than 25% of the community's energy needs during the day.
Detail Data
Average annual consumption during the day of 484.3MWh
Energy selfsufficiency by 2030
Electricity in 1992
Average annual consumption of 1181MWh
Solar capacity installed to date of 85.8kWp
20 consumption installations
Solar capacity required for energy self-sufficiency during the day of 309kWp
Average annual production of 156.4MWh
Storage capacity of 46kWh
Energy needs suppressed by up to 28%
5 PV production units
25 members of CER until now
Photovoltaic Production Units
The photovoltaic units are distributed across several locations in the village of Culatra: two in the shaded areas of the fishing port, one in the Social Centre, one at the headquarters of the Clube União Culatrense, and one at the Elementary School. In addition, a storage system with 46 kWh lithium batteries ensures energy self-sufficiency for the fishing support facilities at night.
With the support of the Culatra 2030 initiative and the collaboration of local entities such as AMIC, ANSN and CUC, C-COOP launched the Culatra Renewable Energy Community, which includes not only the 5 production units already installed, but also another 20 consumption facilities.
The energy generated is distributed among homes, small businesses and collective infrastructures, allowing community members to directly benefit from a reduction in their electricity bills.
With a total of 25 initial members, the Culatra Renewable Energy Community aims to contribute to the construction of a more sustainable, resilient, and participatory energy future.
Locations in Culatra:
1 e 2 - Shaded Areas of the Fishing Port
3 - Social Centre
4- Headquarters of the Clube União Culatrense
5 - Elementary School
Detailed Information on Production Units
2
40
73,26
3
4
8,00
4
8
13,80
5
13,8
24,21
Yearly Production (MWh)
Installed Capacity (kWp)
37,13
1
20
156,4
Total
85,8