EDP installs batteries at Bondalti for energy storage in pioneering project in Portugal
Bondalti will have greater flexibility and energy independence with batteries that store renewable electricity produced locally. The storage project complements the solar plants installed at the Estarreja industrial complex, which already supply Bondalti with clean electricity.
EDP, the leading developer of decentralized solar energy in Portugal, and Bondalti have joined forces in a pioneering project to decarbonize the largest Portuguese group in the Chemical Industry sector. Strengthening their partnership, EDP will install two batteries to store renewable energy for self-consumption at Bondalti's industrial unit in Estarreja.
With a total power of 12 MW and a storage capacity of 12 MWh, the batteries can charge and discharge electricity within just one hour, ensuring flexibility and an immediate response to Bondalti's energy needs. This is the first project of its kind in Portugal and represents one of EDP's initiatives to support the decarbonization of business and residential customers in the coming years.
This energy storage project will enable Bondalti to capitalize on local renewable energy production, ensuring that all the energy generated is utilized, thereby reducing energy costs
The batteries will be installed in a system of modules, each with a capacity of 2 MWh, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptation to the size and conditions of the installation sites. The modules are housed in compact and robust containers, ensuring mobility, safety, and a more agile implementation, while respecting the conditions of the site where they are installed.
This project is part of Bondalti's decarbonization roadmap, which aims to consume electricity from 100% renewable sources by 2030. The two batteries installed at the Estarreja Chemical Complex give Bondalti, an electro-intensive company, reliable access to energy at competitive prices in the absence of wind or solar energy production, guaranteeing the continuous operation of the industrial units.
“Portugal and Spain have unique potential to lead the energy transition, with distinct natural resources compared to other countries, such as more than 300 days of sunshine a year. This project exemplifies the Iberian Peninsula's capacity in this regard and highlights the impact of such initiatives on industrial and technological competitiveness at the international level. The implementation of storage systems in companies will be crucial to accelerating the use of renewable energy and making investments in solar production more profitable and efficient. We are proud to see Bondalti paving the way for innovation and sustainability in the country, while empowering our customers for a cleaner and more resilient energy sector,” says António Araújo, board member at EDP Comercial responsible for business customers.
“At Bondalti, we believe that the energy transition is critical for our future and the future of the chemical industry. Lower energy costs, reduced dependence on electricity grids, and a smaller carbon footprint are key factors in our competitiveness. That's why we consider it essential to incorporate innovative energy management systems, such as energy storage, to successfully navigate the ongoing changes,” says Luis Delgado, Bondalti's executive director.
With this installation, Bondalti now has an advanced tool to maximize operational efficiency, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Energy is managed by an intelligent system that leverages price differences, managing the energy needs of the grid and the surplus energy from the solar plant. In addition to operating autonomously and intelligently, this system allows Bondalti to analyze and validate the data collected, providing total control over optimizing battery use.
These batteries complement the two solar power plants installed by EDP between 2018 and 2020 on Bondalti's land, with a combined capacity of 2 MWp. In total, more than 4,400 panels have been installed, enabling the production of over 3,000 MWh of renewable energy each year.
EDP is currently committed to energy storage projects across Europe, North America, South America, and regions of Asia, with more than 2 GWh of projects either in operation or under construction. Additionally, there are 4 GWh of projects at an advanced stage of development.