EDP is bringing solar energy to more communities. Through the Solar Solidarity program, the company is installing 300 panels in homes in the Cova da Moura neighborhood, located in the Lisbon area, thus fulfilling one of its social impact goals: promoting access to clean and affordable energy in disadvantaged communities.

In this intervention, developed over the past few months with the support of various local associations, it has already been possible to benefit 130 out of the 150 identified families to receive this support. Each of them has received two solar panels for energy production for self-consumption and an efficient refrigerator as a supplement. In this way, EDP not only offers access to renewable energy but also promotes greater efficiency and energy savings in a neighborhood that still faces various challenges related to basic energy infrastructure.

"The Solar Solidarity program is a clear example of the commitment that EDP maintains to a just transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Each solar panel we help install is a firm step on this path, promoting equal access to renewable energy at an affordable cost. Together, we are demonstrating that it is possible to transform solar energy into energy for social progress," says Vera Pinto Pereira, Executive Board Member of EDP and President of the EDP Foundation. "It is a challenge, but above all, a great pride to be able to contribute to empowering these communities and involve them in this collective effort of inclusion and sustainability."

In this intervention in Cova da Moura, EDP worked together with four local associations - the Residents' Association, the Social Solidarity Association, Moinho da Juventude, and Nasce e Renasce - which have been instrumental in identifying the greatest needs of the neighborhood, contacting the resident families, and installing the equipment. EDP has also been promoting training and capacity-building for the benefiting residents to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the installed systems.

Expanded impact

The project in the Cova da Moura neighborhood is just an example of what Solar Solidarity aims to achieve. Created with the ambition to actively contribute to a fair energy transition, where no one is left behind, and to improve the quality of life of communities, especially those most in need, this program is already evaluating new interventions in other areas of the country.

Solar Solidarity is one of the programs included in the EDP Y.E.S - You Empower Society strategy, the group's global social impact plan, which foresees an investment of over 30 million euros per year, totaling more than 300 million euros by 2030. Created to actively promote a fair energy transition, Solar Solidarity reinforces EDP's commitment to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions and generating a positive impact on society.

In this regard, over the past two years, projects for the installation of solar panels in social solidarity institutions have been developed in Portugal and Spain. This Iberian intervention, with the support of the EDP Foundation and the Fundación EDP, has allowed several communities to consume and share solar energy among themselves, also supporting more vulnerable neighbors and significantly reducing their energy bills.