"For the energy transition to be truly effective, increasing renewable energy generation is essential, but it must be matched by smarter energy management. By combining an energy community with storage, this project achieves both: maximizing clean energy generation, including sharing, while ensuring it can be used more efficiently and flexibly, in line with consumption needs."

 Quote from José Queirós de Almeida, CEO of Greenvolt Comunidades

Energy Storage for Sustainable Communities in Sintra

Hellonext participated in the implementation of an energy storage system in Sintra, contributing to a more sustainable, intelligent and decentralized energy model.

The combined solar and storage solution delivered measurable environmental, economic and operational benefits for the Sintra community.

Project Impact

The implementation of the photovoltaic system and battery storage brought concrete benefits to the community and to the local energy system.

 Key Project Figures:

• 628 kWp of installed photovoltaic capacity

• 230 tonnes of CO2 avoided per year

• Impact equivalent to the carbon sequestration capacity of 10,202 trees 

Energy Efficiency:

• Improved use of locally produced renewable energy

• Reduced energy waste through the storage of surplus production

Autonomy and Resilience:

• Reduced dependence on the conventional electricity grid

• Greater flexibility in energy consumption management

Economic Benefits:

• Significant reduction in energy costs through self-consumption

• Smarter management of the energy produced and stored

Beyond its technical impact, the project demonstrates how technological innovation can be applied in a practical way to generate environmental, social and economic value, reinforcing the sustainability of local communities.

Solution

To address current energy challenges, Hellonext implemented a battery energy storage system, integrated with a large-scale photovoltaic installation.

This solution enables:

• Storage of surplus renewable energy generated by the photovoltaic panels

• Use of this energy during periods of higher demand or lower production

• More efficient management of local energy flows

• Increased stability and flexibility of the energy system

The installation includes 628 kWp of installed photovoltaic capacity, enabling significant renewable energy production for local supply.

The project is part of a broader vision of energy communities, aligning with European innovation initiatives such as SATCOMM, which promotes sustainable, intelligent and collaborative energy solutions in coastal communities across various countries (such as Portugal, Spain and France).

Challenge

Despite the significant growth in renewable energy production, many energy systems still face operational and structural challenges, such as:  

• Imbalance between energy production and consumption periods

• Dependence on the electricity grid during peak demand

• Limitations in the efficient management of locally produced energy

In this context, the objective of the project was to optimize the use of renewable energy already being produced locally, reduce waste and increase the energy autonomy of the community involved.

Conclusion

"This project combines the strengths of both Greenvolt and Hellonext to deliver real value to customers and communities. By storing the excess energy and using it when needed, we are reducing operational costs to community customers, and reducing the load on the grid infrastructure."

Quote from Manuel Sande e Castro, Sales Director Hellonext