Greenvolt and Symington create Energy Community in Vila Nova de Gaia

Greenvolt Communities, a leader in collective self-consumption solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Symington Family Estates, one of the most prestigious Port wine producers, to create an Energy Community in Vila Nova de Gaia. This project, which combines innovation and sustainability, reinforces both companies’ commitment to energy transition and environmental preservation.

The initiative uses the energy generated in two Self-Consumption Production Units (UPAC), located in Quinta do Marco and Quinta de Santo António, in Vila Nova de Gaia. With a combined output of 377.8 kWh, these facilities produce 440 MWh of energy per year, of which 122 MWh will be shared with three other Symington locations in the Historic Centre of Gaia.

The partnership between Greenvolt and Symington makes it possible to optimise the use of the energy already generated, without the need for new infrastructure or additional impact on sensitive heritage areas. The project reflects a sustainable and efficient approach, guaranteeing environmental benefits and reducing energy costs. According to Rupert Symington, CEO of Symington Family Estates, ‘the energy transition is essential to our mission. This agreement allows us to optimise the installed capacity and use it in other locations of the group, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation.’

João Manso Neto, CEO of the Greenvolt Group, highlighted the importance of initiatives like this: ‘Renewable energies, implemented with rigour, allow companies to optimise existing infrastructures and generate significant benefits for the environment and business.’

Greenvolt Communities, in operation since April 2022, already leads the Energy Communities segment in Portugal, with more than 60 MWp installed and 160 projects completed. This new agreement with Symington Family Estates demonstrates how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, creating a positive impact on both the wine sector and environmental sustainability.

This is another step in Symington’s mission to integrate innovative and sustainable practices into its operations, guaranteeing a solid legacy for future generations and reinforcing Portugal’s position as a reference in renewable energies.