SMART is a research and technological development project that aims to contribute to the energy transition through the integration of renewable energy, smart electricity grids and digital energy management solutions. The project seeks to develop and test solutions that optimise renewable energy generation, consumption and sharing, promoting greater energy efficiency, autonomy and consumer participation in Renewable Energy Communities.
OBJECTIVES
SMART’s main objective is to investigate how digitalisation and the intelligent management of energy resources can contribute to more efficient, sustainable and resilient energy communities. In particular, the project aims to increase the local use of renewable energy, promote demand response mechanisms, assess fairer energy-sharing models and identify technical, economic and environmental benefits for participants.
TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS
SMART will develop and integrate digital tools, including a central monitoring and control platform, distributed energy management systems and a web application for community members. These tools will be integrated into a digital twin to simulate different scenarios for energy generation, consumption and storage, test optimisation strategies and support the management of the energy community.
PILOT PROJECT ON CULATRA ISLAND
The Culatra Island Renewable Energy Community provides a real-world demonstration environment for SMART, allowing the solutions developed to be tested and validated. The project involves monitoring and integrating distributed energy resources, including photovoltaic systems, energy storage and consumer premises. This infrastructure will be used to investigate intelligent energy management strategies and active consumer participation, with potential applications in other energy communities.
RESULTS & DISSEMINATION
SMART’s results will be made available on this page throughout the project, including scientific publications, technical reports, public deliverables and dissemination activities.
Scientific publications
Jóni Buchinho Santos; André Duarte Pacheco; Jânio Ferreira Monteiro. "Implementing a Citizen-Led Renewable Energy Community on a Peripheral Island: Challenges, Responses and Lessons from Culatra, Portugal". Smart Energy (2026): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2026.100274.
Idris O. Ogunsola; Jóni B. Santos; Jânio Monteiro; André Pacheco. "Digital Twin Modelling for a Renewable Energy Community: A Case Study of the Culatra Island’s Smart Grid". IEEE Access (2026): https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3684668.
Sofiulah
Felor
Deliverables and public reports
To be made available progressively.
Activities and outreach
News, presentations and participation in scientific and public engagement events.
Funding Source: SMART (2023.18355.ICDT) is a research project carried out by the University of Algarve and funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): https://sciproj.ptcris.pt/177778PRJ
