The Energy of Alcoutim

Energising the local community of Alcoutim is a solar self-consumption project with a social purpose.

By installing clean energy production units – in this case, photovoltaic panels – we are helping to build a more sustainable community, reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering the energy bills of the social institutions involved in the project. Launched in 2023, the project already includes the Alcoutim Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, the residential and day care centre, and the children's centre A Joaninha.

Galp Foundation will continue to support the community with energy solutions, both for individual and collective self-consumption.

Sustainable mobility, social inclusion, and a strong sense of commitment to the Alcoutim community. This is the foundation of the Vilas em Movimento project, a partnership with the Odiana Association and the Municipality of Alcoutim, which introduced 14 shared electric bicycles and four docking stations in key locations across the town.

In partnership with EPIS – Entrepreneurs for Social Inclusion, we reward academic merit among students from the municipality with university scholarships, helping to combat school dropout due to financial reasons.

To promote energy literacy, we organise study visits to the Alcoutim photovoltaic plant, inviting young people to discover the solar park and the various professions "behind" its construction and operation.

We prioritise support for socially relevant local partners. In this regard, we have established a partnership with the Odiana Association, which assists us in implementing the Vilas em Movimento project and other Galp Foundation programmes in Alcoutim.

To mitigate isolation among the senior population, and as part of the Vilas em Movimento project, we support the Odiana Association in organising workshops, cultural visits such as trips to the theatre or cinema, and intergenerational activities to reduce social and cultural barriers between different age groups.

Additionally, we inaugurated the Mobility Space, which offers physiotherapy and physical exercise to the local population, and, with the support of firefighters, the GNR, and health professionals, we carry out outreach activities to raise awareness among older people about personal safety, among other topics.

The protection of biodiversity is a priority. For this reason, we are implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan that includes campaigns to monitor wildlife, the installation of nest boxes and insect and bird hotels, and DNA testing of plants in the park.

Soon, we will begin planting aromatic herbs and installing three beehives. In addition, we have an agreement with two local shepherds who use the photovoltaic plants as grazing land for their sheep flocks.