Asprela + Sustentável shows how a renewable energy community can reduce energy poverty in social housing. By sharing locally produced solar power, it gives vulnerable households direct financial relief while involving residents in the energy transition.
Location:
Porto,
Portugal
Start date:
01/05/2024
Lead organisation:
AdEPorto - Porto Energy Agency
Target groups:
Low-income households
Energy transition focus:
Solar energy & collective self-consumption
Scale:
Neighbourhood-level
Asprela + Sustentável is a community energy project that established Porto’s first renewable energy community in a social housing neighbourhood. It aims to reduce energy poverty through a renewable energy community using solar energy and a collective self-consumption scheme.
Solar panels were installed across residential buildings and a local school, enabling residents to share locally produced renewable electricity. The initiative directly addresses energy poverty by reducing electricity costs for vulnerable households while contributing to climate action.
Asprela + Sustentável is specifically designed to address the needs of vulnerable households facing high energy costs and limited access to affordable energy. Beyond financial benefits, the project places strong emphasis on inclusion and participation. Residents were involved from the outset through door-to-door outreach, community meetings, and accessible communication using clear language and visual materials. This way residents not only benefit from the initiative but also actively shape it. As a result, the initiative combines social impact with empowerment, making vulnerable groups active participants in the energy transition rather than passive beneficiaries.
The initiative aims to maximise social impact rather than generate profit. The initial investments in solar infrastructure were fully funded by the Municipality of Porto, allowing households to participate with no upfront cost. During the first five years, energy sharing is provided free of charge, resulting in a significant reduction in energy bills. After this, operational costs are covered through a reduced social energy tariff, tailored to participating households. It is therefore designed to sustain its operations in the long term without the need for external subsidies, relying on sharing methodologies that maximise energy and economic benefits while ensuring continued accessibility for vulnerable households.
Contact person:
Rui Pimenta
E-mail:
ruipimenta@adeporto.eu
Website:
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