INESC TEC projects addressing energy poverty acknowledged at the LIGAR award

Two projects, one shared goal: using technology and innovation to prevent energy poverty. The Ecovale and Asprela+Sustentável projects – with INESC TEC as a partner – entered the first edition of the LIGAR award, promoted by the National Observatory on Energy Poverty (ONPE), and ranked among the top 10 submissions.

Did you know that between 699,000 and 1.7 million people live in energy poverty in Portugal? According to European Union data, in 2023, Portugal recorded the highest rate of energy poverty among EU Member States. Against this backdrop, ONPE launched the LIGAR award to disseminate concrete solutions addressing energy poverty in Portugal and to recognise projects that connect technology, social innovation and territory.

Out of around 40 applications, the Asprela+Sustentável project achieved 4^th place, receiving an Honourable Mention, while Ecovale (submitted by INESC TEC), ranked 7^th. These results place both initiatives among the most relevant projects of the award’s inaugural edition.

Asprela+Sustentável is a place-based project aimed at promoting the energy transition and energy efficiency in the Asprela area, in Porto. Developed by AdEPorto – Agência de Energia do Porto, in partnership with several entities including INESC TEC, the project focuses on creating a local energy community, monitoring energy consumption, producing renewable energy, and building capacity among users and institutions. By combining technology, urban planning and engagement with the academia and local community, Asprela+Sustentável seeks to optimise energy consumption, reduce emissions and costs, while simultaneously addressing situations of energy vulnerability in a complex urban context.

“The project showed that energy poverty can be mitigated through public policies designed around virtuous cycles. It also demonstrated that energy and digital literacy are key drivers of informed energy decisions, fostering trust among the most vulnerable citizens in existing support mechanisms,” said Alexandre Lucas, INESC TEC researcher.

Ecovale is a project led by CEVE – Cooperativa Eléctrica do Vale d’Este, with the support of INESC TEC, focusing on energy literacy, energy efficiency and community and school engagement in the municipalities of Barcelos and Vila Nova de Famalicão.

“Energy poverty is a structural challenge that requires integrated responses, where science, technology and outreach must go hand in hand. Ecovale addressed all these dimensions and delivered very positive results,” added João Fontoura, INESC TEC researcher.

The project adopted a close and inclusive approach, delivering various awareness-raising actions on energy vulnerability and energy efficiency, including training sessions for adults and children, an innovation platform, and the creation of energy clubs in schools.

“As a research institute, we have a responsibility to look beyond the technological and scientific dimensions of projects. Working on issues like energy poverty requires us to approach research from a more societal standpoint, closer to people and their real problems, focusing on social responsibility,” emphasised Ricardo Bessa, INESC TEC researcher and head of research in the power & energy systems domain.