Fair shares or smart savings? Exploring business models, justice and efficiency trade-offs in Portuguese energy communities
The Culatra2030 initiative continues to lead the way towards a sustainable future by promoting the creation of Renewable Energy Communities (REC) that ensure "Fair Shares" among all their members. This concept, fundamental for equity and social justice, ensures that the benefits of renewable energy are distributed equitably, allowing all participants to enjoy the economic and environmental advantages.
Joni Santos, President of C-COOP (Cooperative for the Sustainability of Culatra Island) and researcher at CIMA - Marine and Environmental Research Center (University of Algarve) and ARNET - Aquatic Research Network (FCT), along with Renée Scharnigg, Jânio Monteiro, and André Pacheco, recently published an article highlighting the importance of "Fair Shares" in RECs, emphasizing that the equitable distribution of energy resources is crucial for the success and acceptance of these communities. The Culatra2030 initiative, aligned with these guidelines, has implemented practices that ensure each community member receives a fair share of the benefits generated by renewable energy.
Culatra Island, through the Culatra2030 initiative, has been an example of innovation and sustainability, demonstrating how RECs can transform local communities. With projects that include the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, Culatra is reducing its dependence on non-renewable energy sources and promoting a sustainable development model.
The Culatra2030 initiative is committed to empowering and involving the local community, ensuring that everyone understands the benefits of renewable energies and actively participates in the management and use of energy resources. This commitment to education and community participation is essential to ensure justice and efficiency in the energy community being created on the island.
The article can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2025.104102
Culatra, Portugal - May 7, 2025