Testing energy sharing models in Extremadura

The implementation of this initiative brings numerous advantages, ranging from economic gains through optimizing self-consumed energy to the environmental benefits of using renewable sources instead of grid energy.

Supported by the EU-funded Interreg POCTEP cross-border program, the INNOINVEST project aims to encourage renewable energy adoption, energy storage, and innovative building insulation technologies. AGENEX’s pilot initiative incorporates all three of these elements.

While solar energy for self-consumption is widely recognized for its potential cost savings, it also faces a challenge: the energy must be used as it’s generated. One solution is energy storage, though this comes with increased costs and energy losses. Instead, AGENEX’s pilot focuses on finding complementary consumption patterns to maximize the use of produced energy—offering a more efficient alternative.

The pilot connects seven nearby public buildings, including administrative offices, a residence hall, and a data center. Four buildings have photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on their rooftops, while one features PV panels on its façade and an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS). A small lithium-ion battery was also installed to help optimize consumption. By aligning the energy demand of these complementary buildings, the project ensures that nearly all the produced energy is consumed on-site. A monitoring system further maximizes this efficiency, providing valuable data that can help fine-tune energy use and encourage behavioral changes.

The pilot has led to impressive outcomes. The innovative insulation system alone has reduced the archive building’s energy demand by 15%. Overall, the shared energy scheme has generated energy savings of 30 to 40% and slashed electricity costs by over €50,000 annually.

These encouraging results demonstrate the potential of shared renewable energy systems and provide a strong foundation for replicating the model in other administrative buildings. It also highlights the opportunities for fostering energy communities. In response, AGENEX is setting up a regional advisory office (OTC) to assist in the formation of these communities. Additionally, the agency recently launched the TRANSCOM project, aimed at expanding the initiative to a cross-border scale, building a network of energy communities along the Spanish-Portuguese border.

Source: Extremadura Energy Agency

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