Energy Storage Systems Discussed at RELOP Workshop
The meeting, held via videoconference, brought together more than 75 participants and fostered an enriching exchange on the regulatory and institutional perspectives of three RELOP member countries.
On May 26, another session of RELOP’s Energy Transition Working Group took place, coordinated by ENSE, and focused on the theme: “Energy storage systems: what is the best solution for storing vRES?”
The workshop began with a presentation by Raydel Carvalho from AGER, who provided an overview of the country’s energy matrix and the challenges associated with its high dependency on imported diesel. Investment in renewable energy sources and the role of storage systems were highlighted as essential elements to ensure a sustainable and economically viable electricity supply, with emphasis on national decarbonization plans and ongoing projects for the installation of photovoltaic plants with battery systems.
Next, José Bigares from ERSE presented the evolution of the national legal framework and the importance of storage for the flexibility of the electricity system, particularly in light of the growing integration of intermittent renewable sources. Data was also shared on the recent 500 MW battery auction, ERSE and ADENE’s studies on future flexibility needs, and the various storage models under consideration, including centralized, distributed, and electric mobility-linked solutions.
Alberto Fernandes, from IRSEA, shared the Angolan perspective on renewable energy integration and the challenges of electrification in isolated areas. He highlighted ongoing projects using hybrid systems (solar and batteries) in several provinces and the national renewable energy strategy, reinforcing the importance of storage in ensuring energy access and grid stability.
Finally, Professor Carlos Silva from Instituto Superior Técnico presented the main results of a technical study conducted by IST in collaboration with ADENE on storage needs through 2030. The analysis includes climate scenarios, consumption trends, and interconnections with Spain, underscoring the strategic role of batteries and pumped hydro storage in stabilizing and decarbonizing the national electricity system.
The workshop once again reinforced RELOP’s role as a platform for coordination among different energy sector entities, promoting technical cooperation and the sharing of solutions that contribute to a safe, resilient, and fair energy transition.
