The Smart Islands Energy System (SMILE) project is a collaboration of nineteen partners from European countries funded by the Horizon 2020. On three different islands – Samso (Denmark), Orkney Islands (UK) and Madeira (Portugal), the project will demonstrate nine different smart grid technologies.
On Madeira, an intelligent control and automation system is currently being implemented in the existing grid to provide better management of the distribution network and ensure grid reliability and resilience.
Madeira is not connected to the mainland, and all energy consumed on Madeira is generated on the island itself. The local DSO – a publicly owned company – is responsible for grid infrastructure, energy generation, transmission and distribution. The peaks in solar irradiation do not cover the demand peaks which is causing difficulties in managing an island network. Smart metering will generate a significant quantity of data crucial for further transition of the island. One of the aims of the project is to evaluate how battery electrical storage systems can be integrated in Madeira island. The existing electric vehicle network on the island will further be expanded and integrated with the control system via smart charging software.
Island specifics
AREA: 741 km2
NO. OF CONSUMERS: 262,000 regular inhabitants (1.4 mio. tourists per year)
GRID: not connected to the mainland
PROJECT: SMILE
TOTAL INVESTMENT: 2,188,774 EUR
FUNDS: Horizon 2020
Project specifics
- An intelligent control and automation system will be implemented in the existing grid
- Existing electric vehicle network on the island will be expanded and integrated with the control system via smart charging software