Iberdrola already has 10 solar communities in Portugal and is expanding access to shared renewable energy
- The projects are expected to share 1.7 million kWh of renewable energy and avoid more than 250,000 kg of CO₂ emissions
- The model helps households and businesses reduce energy costs while broadening access to clean energy
- The total number of participants is expected to exceed 2,000
Iberdrola currently has eight solar communities under development in Portugal, in addition to the two already in operation. Together, these projects are expected to enable the sharing of around 1.7 million kWh of renewable energy while helping households and businesses lower their energy costs.
Alongside the operational communities at Indaqua and Melres, new projects are being rolled out in Viseu, Santo Tirso, Valongo, Águeda, Mealhada, Coimbra, Alenquer and Oeiras, extending the reach of this model across several regions of the country.
This expansion comes amid growing demand for self-consumption and energy-sharing solutions, allowing businesses and consumers to benefit from renewable energy even if they do not have their own generation facilities.
Delivering measurable progress towards electrification
Collectively, the 10 communities will generate and share surplus renewable energy equivalent to the consumption of thousands of users, while preventing more than 250,000 kg of CO₂ emissions.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the model also delivers clear economic value by lowering energy costs, creating benefits for both producers and consumers, and providing access to renewable energy without the need for upfront investment.
“Solar communities are transforming the way energy reaches people, making it more accessible and collaborative. Through this initiative, Iberdrola aims to accelerate that transformation by promoting innovative solutions that bring generation closer to consumption, strengthen sustainability and deliver tangible benefits to local communities and the energy system as a whole,” said Pedro Torres, Director of Smart Solutions at Iberdrola Clientes Portugal.
How the model works
Under this initiative, businesses and energy producers share surplus electricity generated by their solar installations with consumers located within a radius of up to four kilometres, promoting more efficient use of local energy resources.
The benefits extend to all participants:
Producers
- Solar installation with no upfront investment
- Significant reductions in energy bills
- Stronger ESG credentials and greater engagement with the local community
Consumers
- Access to renewable energy without investment
- Average savings of around 30% compared to the standard tariff
- An active role in the energy transition
Decentralised energy, shared impact
Through these projects, Iberdrola is reinforcing its commitment to a more decentralised, participatory and sustainable energy model, bringing the energy transition closer to businesses and communities across Portugal. The initiative is being developed in partnership with specialist companies responsible for installation and technical implementation, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency throughout delivery. By promoting these projects, Iberdrola is helping make renewable energy more accessible and widely shared, generating positive impacts on local economies while reducing energy costs for consumers.
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