Energy Sharing for Inclusion: The Agra do Amial Renewable Energy Community

Growing evidence shows that citizen-centred energy initiatives can reduce energy costs and strengthen local resilience. Yet despite their potential, these solutions still sit at the margins of the energy system. Limited awareness and accessibility mean that affordable, sustainable energy continues to be out of reach for many households. In northern Portugal, the pioneering Agra do Amial Renewable Energy Community demonstrates how energy sharing can directly benefit vulnerable groups, providing stable and affordable renewable electricity while addressing energy poverty. By combining innovative technology with inclusive governance, the initiative shows how the energy transition can deliver both climate action and social justice. 

A public-led energy community supporting vulnerable consumers 

Located in a social housing estate in the Municipality of Porto, the Agra do Amial Renewable Energy Community was designed specifically to address energy poverty. Implemented under public leadership and funded through public grants, the project installs photovoltaic panels on the rooftops of municipal apartment buildings and shares the electricity generated among low-income residents. 

AdEPorto played a central role throughout the entire project lifecycle, from the initial concept to day-to-day operation. The agency led the selection of suitable locations, coordinated the involvement of participating families, and managed the full licensing and registration process. It also carried out the technical and financial studies underpinning the project, ensuring its long-term financial stability during the operational phase. 

Operational since mid-2024, the community now connects 82 housing units and a local primary school within a collective self-consumption scheme. In its first year of operation, Agra do Amial produced around 134 MWh of solar electricity, shared in real time among participants. 

Delivering savings, innovation and scalability 

The project was made possible through strong public-sector leadership, as its social focus initially made it unattractive to private investors. AdEPorto further strengthened the model by integrating innovative solutions, including electricity storage units and EV charging infrastructure connected to the renewable energy community. 

Beyond implementation, the agency continues to support the project’s operation, working closely with the distribution system operator and the national energy regulator. Agra do Amial is being used as a pilot project for these actors, helping to shape regulatory and operational practices for future energy communities. AdEPorto also plays a key coordinating role among the different community members, ensuring smooth collaboration and transparent governance. 

The results are tangible. The 82 participating families have seen electricity bill reductions of approximately one third, alongside improved energy security. As residents observed these benefits, interest quickly grew, with dozens of additional households volunteering to join the scheme. 

Encouraged by this success, Porto’s city government is now preparing to replicate the model in at least four additional social housing neighbourhoods, extending solar energy sharing to around 1,400 more families. This highlights the significant potential of renewable energy communities across Portugal’s public housing sector. 

Renewable energy communities linking sustainability and affordability 

Agra do Amial illustrates how local authorities and Energy Agencies can step in where market actors may not, ensuring that the energy transition leaves no one behind. By organising energy sharing at neighbourhood level, the project directly reduces energy bills for low-income households while increasing local renewable generation. 

Through its comprehensive involvement — from technical design to social engagement and regulatory coordination — AdEPorto demonstrates how Energy Agencies can act as key enablers of inclusive energy communities. The Agra do Amial Renewable Energy Community is now recognised as a strong example of how energy sharing, innovative technology and inclusive governance can be combined to deliver a just and affordable energy transition. 

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!