Technology moves towards the implementation of smart grids or intelligent electricity networks in cities. A smart grid is based on the efficient and manageable use of energy resources by using efficient lamps (LED type), and the intelligent control of every single light spot in general lines. For municipalities, this translates into a reduction of power consumption and therefore CO2 emissions, reduced operating and maintenance costs and an increased availability, since faults detection is possible in real time.
To undertake such action requires investments that councils cannot afford right now, so the Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) will make the necessary investment for the technological renewal of street lighting and, in turn, will be responsible for the service operation and maintenance, maximizing the returns of the measures implemented through the savings in electricity
bills.
Projects in Fuente Alamo and Merida
The municipalities of Fuente Alamo (Murcia) and Merida have awarded two contracts to Enel Sole and Endesa to renew their lighting.
In the case of Fuente Alamo, 6126 lighting spots will be renewed, representing 89% of the total installed. In turn, this change of lighting fixtures represents savings of 40% of the
total installed capacity in addition to savings over 53% in energy consumption, and a reduction of emissions of nearly 260 tons of CO2 per year. The installation and maintenance (15 years) shall be covered by a local subcontractor thereby contributing to the development of local employment.
Merida also relies on the smart grid implementation programme offered by Endesa and within the different actions planned, 10,579 efficient light spots will be installed, representing over 70% of the City’s luminaries. This change is expected to produce estimated energy savings of 48% and a reduction in emissions of 1,455 tonnes of CO2 annually. 13% of renovated lighting will be Enel Archilede technology.
As a complement to efficient lighting, Endesa and Enel have included a number of improvements in the project that involve additional savings for the municipality, such as the installation of two double take charging points for electric vehicles, two electric vehicles, remote control panels management from the Smart Grid Service Center, inventory and energy audit of public lighting facilities, a public awareness campaign on the actions taken by the council in the energy efficiency area and the processing of grant application to the Extremadura Energy Agency.
Merida, a city of more than 57,000 inhabitants, is particularly relevant as it becomes the first capital of a Spanish autonomous community that awards such services. In addition, it is an international touristic reference of Extremadura due to its important archaeological and historic sites, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.
