Younicos to receive "European Solar Prize 2011"
Recognition for developing world’s first renewable energy system for Azorean island of Graciosa
Younicos is to receive the "European Solar Prize 2011" for the development of the world's first energy system based on up to 100 percent renewable energy for the Azorean island of Graciosa. In its commendation, the European Association for Renewable Energies (EUROSOLAR), which has been awarding the prize since 1994, praised "the exemplary project” for showing “that a full supply through renewable energy sources can already be accomplished with the storage technology available today.” Younicos will be awarded the prize at a ceremony in Berlin on 2 December 2011.
Says Clemens Triebel, CTO of Younicos: "We are delighted to receive this recognition from the jury. Particularly, because what we demonstrate on Graciosa is important everywhere: There is no need for a fossil-powered base-load. A renewables-based grid can guarantee a stable and reliable power supply – even at night and when there is no wind. And: Our combined wind-sun-battery system not only saves CO2; over its lifetime, the new system will be produce electricity more cheaply than the existing power supply system, which relies on expensive imported diesel fuel. That makes the system attractive for the many islands and remote rural areas that today have to transport diesel fuel for electricity generation over long distances.”
From 2012, the company specializing in full renewable power supply will begin implementing the world's first stable and autonomous energy grid based on up to 100 percent renewables on the Azorean island. Developed over the past four years, the system guarantees a secure electricity supply even at night and when there is no wind. Thus, starting in 2013, the 4700 inhabitants will be able to cover over 75 percent of their annual supply of electricity through wind and solar energy. The existing diesel generator will be needed only for backup and can remain switched off most of the time. Enhanced with intelligent control systems and power electronics, sodium sulfur batteries will automatically stabilize the autonomous grid without the need for the rotating mass of fossil generators.
To demonstrate the feasibility of this new approach, Younicos built a one-third-scale electrical replica of the island as a test site at its Berlin headquarters. Energy generation sources of sun, wind, and the existing diesel as well as and all electrical consumption loads are simulated using real time high-resolution data from the island, thus allowing to test the future energy system in true-to-life conditions.
About the European Solar Prize:
Created by EUROSOLAR in 1994, the European Solar Prize has since been given for exemplary projects and initiatives in the field of renewable energy use. It recognizes outstanding achievements, innovation and creativity in renewable energy applications.
About Younicos:
Younicos works for a future power supply, in which energy is generated CO2-free and renewable. All activities of Younicos are based on the use of renewable energy sources.
Our core competency is the management of energy-storage systems for a stable power supply from renewable sources.
This includes:
- autonomous energy systems using up to 100 percent clean energy to supply entire islands or remote areas with power
- combined power-storage systems for large continental grids that store excess clean electricity and release it when demand cannot be met from renewable sources
- distributed storage systems that allow regionally generated renewable energy to be consumed where it is generated
- solutions for sustainable transportation to ensure that fossil fuels are replaced by energy from renewable sources
Contact:
Philip Hiersemenzel
Hiersemenzel(at)younicos.com
0174-9088188