Efacec Automation will supply a protection system for a new wind and solar power plant installed on Graciosa Island in the Azores Archipelago. This project, designated as Graciolica, is promoted by regional government of Azores, with the goals of increasing the use of renewable energy resources, promoting energy savings and offering alternatives to fuel products.

Efacec Automation, through its Portuguese business partner DTE (DST Group), will provide protection system, based on the latest protection relays from Series 500 and Series 430, as well as data acquisition and control based on BCU 500 units for auxiliary services. The equipment will be deployed at the 15 kV substation of the wind and solar resources power plant, at the storage batteries park, and at the interconnecting substation of EDA - utility responsible for the production, distribution and commercialization of electricity in Azorean islands.

Furthermore, Transformers and Switchgear Efacec business units, also involved in the project, will supply distribution transformers (POWERCAST) and MV modular compact cubicles (FLUOFIX). The project includes also factory and site acceptance test, commissioning and complete system integration.

This innovative project, managed by Younicos – a global provider of intelligent storage and grid solutions based on battery technology, will provide Graciosa Island with a new power plant fully powered by wind (of 4.5 MW) and solar (of 1 MW) energy, including a 3.2 MWh energy storage system. The plant is expected to leverage the island annual share of renewable energy up to 65%, at the same time reducing its dependence on fuel.

Efacec is satisfied to be a part of this project with very positive perspectives, being a pioneer in the renewable energy generation and storage worldwide.