The first renewable energy co-operative in Portugal (with video)

The roofs of the daycare tortoise and the Hare, right in the Centre of Lisbon, were covered by photovoltaic panels that enable an annual production of electricity of more than 30,000 Kw/h, enough to supply 13 families.

All this was made possible due to the emergence of Coopérnico, the first cooperative dedicated to the production of renewable energy in Portugal, an idea of a group of 16 citizens who share a concern with sustainable development.

"[The partnership] is doing a lease the roof â€" or another space that will allow us to install our production plants. At the end of this period, we have given the equipment free of charge to the institution or association. Thus, this shall benefit from all the electricity that is produced, "explained to the green economy Jorge Nuno Brito, President of Coopérnico.

Currently, the rental period is 15 years, being that the equipment have a guarantee of production of 25 years. In the case of the kindergarten Turtle and the Hare, owned by the Portuguese Association of parents and friends of mentally deficient Citizen (APPACDM), alia, spectacularly, to social solidarity.

"To be aligned on projects of this nature and being able to bring other organizations for this type of projects, is an advantage for everyone, for the Country and children who are here," said John Davis, one of the leaders of MENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN.

Is also a form of the Coopérnico help social economy associations or organisations to find an alternative source of funding. "In this case, a day-care center, is also a way to contribute to education," concluded Nuno Brito Jorge.

The Coopérnico has several other projects designed for the short and medium term, but lack legislation for its compliance. "We are living through a period of transition, in Portugal, between the previous scheme, subsidised rates, and the new regime of self-consumption. Right now, that delays the implementation of new projects ", explained Nuno Jorge.

Anyone can be a member of this ecological cooperative and participate in energy projects. For it is only necessary to fill in the membership form available on the page Coopérnico and acquire at least three titles of share capital, amounting to € 60 (R$184,7).

Foto: bradleygee/Creative Commons

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