Inside Gres Panaria Portugal & Iberdrola's Solar Partnership
Leading Portuguese ceramics company Gres Panaria Portugal (GPP) is partnering with global clean energy leader, Iberdrola, to run off solar energy for the next 10 years.
GPP has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that begins in 2025, guaranteeing the supply of photovoltaic solar energy for the next decade.
The agreement is due to provide 92 GWh of clean energy during the fixed 10 year contract, allowing GPP to reduce its carbon footprint.
Iberdrola’s input
With more than 180 years of company history, Iberdrola is a global leader in clean energy, grids and storage.
Iberdrola's 2023 Sustainability Report outlines the company's commitment to ESG principles, emphasising its role in the global energy transition:
- Decarbonisation efforts: Iberdrola aims to achieve carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and net zero emissions before 2040 including Scope 3
- Renewable energy expansion: The company has invested more than €100bn (US$105bn) in renewable energy – resulting in an installed capacity of 41,246 MW as of 2023, a 6.5% increase from the previous year
- Sustainable finance: Iberdrola has made gross investments during 2023 totaling €10.73bn (just over US$11bn), reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth
- Biodiversity initiatives: The company is committed to having a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030, integrating environmental considerations into its operations
- Community engagement: Iberdrola's community contributions are detailed in the Assurance Report 2023, highlighting its social commitment.
This report underscores Iberdrola's dedication to sustainable development and its proactive approach to addressing global environmental challenges.
Rui Afonso, Managing Director of Iberdrola Clientes Portugal comments: "We are active agents in the decarbonisation of industry. It is part of our corporate goals. This PPA with Gres Panaria Portugal reflects our commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of renewable energy, especially in a prominent sector for Portugal such as ceramics.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the PPA allows GPP to mitigate the risks and effects of the unpredictability of energy markets – ensuring greater stability both in the cost of electricity and in the production and service to customers.
GPP's sustainable promises
GPP are committed to aligning its company with carbon neutrality, biodiversity and sustainability by redesigning products and services.
Panariagroup's 2023 Sustainability Report outlines key sustainability goals and initiatives, these include:
- THINK ZERO project: Panariagroup continues its THINK ZERO initiative, offsetting all CO₂ emissions related to the production of laminated porcelain stoneware
- Carbon footprint certification: The company has initiated certification under UNI EN ISO 14067 to calculate the carbon footprint of its products throughout their life cycle, aiming to enhance decarbonisation effort
- Employee well-being: A new flexible working hours structure was launched in 2023, allowing employees to adapt their schedules to personal needs while ensuring service continuity - often resulting in reduced indirect CO2 emissions
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The company aligns its Sustainability Plan with the United Nations' SDGs – focusing on goals like quality education, clean water and sanitation and responsible consumption and production
- Resilience and adaptability: Panariagroup has demonstrated resilience through various global challenges, maintaining stable employment levels and prioritising employee well-being.
Marco Mussini, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gres Panaria Portugal explains: "This agreement goes beyond the energy issue. Sustainability has been a fundamental guideline in the elaboration of the company's strategy.
“This agreement reinforces our mission to produce sustainably, maintaining the highest quality standards, and at the same time reducing the environmental impact of our operation, through the redesign and optimization of industrial processes and products, of our brands, that are more sustainable and properly integrated into the green economy in Portugal."
The importance of solar energy
Solar energy doesn’t: rely on the use of fossil fuels, pollute air or water or contribute to global warming, making it the preferable option for many.
Solar energy works with the earth’s natural, renewable resources, whereas conventional electricity depletes or harms them.
The cost of installing solar panels/a solar electric system has decreased in recent years, meaning solar energy will save a considerable amount of money over time.
By using a photovoltaic solar energy source, Gres Panaria Portugal not only strengthens its competitiveness, but also contributes directly to the growth of the green economy in Portugal.
The partnership for the supply of renewable energy benefits the company, while supporting national and European climate goals, placing Portugal at the forefront of the energy transition.
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