In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy solutions, REN, the manager and operator of Portugal’s national electricity and natural gas transport networks, and Atlante, the Italian multinational specializing in the development, construction, and operation of electric vehicle charging stations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement outlines their collaboration on five projects in Portugal utilizing the innovative speed-E connection solution developed and patented by REN.
The speed-E represents a cutting-edge solution enabling electric vehicle charging through a direct connection to the high-voltage electricity transport network, specifically the Very High Voltage lines.
Beyond providing high-power availability for EV charging purposes, the solution extends the charging infrastructure to locations where the transport network is present, covering approximately 9000 km in Portugal.
This unique approach allows simultaneous charging of multiple fast and/or ultra-fast chargers, and its modular architecture enables customization based on clients’ power requirements, scalable over time.
The partnership between REN and Atlante marks the inception of the world’s first electric vehicle charging stations directly powered by Very High Voltage lines.
João Faria Conceição, COO of REN, emphasized: “This partnership reflects REN’s ability to develop solutions that respond to energy transition and positively contribute to societal decarbonization”.
“Atlante is an obvious partner for speed-E in Portugal, not only due to its extensive experience in this sector but also for recognizing the strategic potential of this innovative tool to promote faster and safer electric vehicle charging, mitigating future challenges related to increased power availability,” he adds.
REN’s developed solution, speed-E, has earned recognition from energy and mobility-related entities.
In 2022, it was awarded the ‘Best Practice of the Year’ in the ‘Technological Innovation and Systems Integration’ category by the Renewables Grid Initiative.
Additionally, it secured victory in the ‘Charging & Energy’ category at the sixth edition of eMove360º, one of the world’s leading mobility 4.0 fairs.
Atlante, a multinational company operating in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, is currently one of the largest operators of charging stations in Portugal.
The company’s goal is to establish a network of fast and ultra-fast electric charging stations across Europe, catering to customers with various EV makes and models, thereby driving the transition towards eMobility.
REN’s commitment to Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) is a strategic focus for the company.
This investment aims to create and develop solutions that efficiently meet national and European energy objectives, contribute to climate change mitigation, and ensure REN’s excellence in energy supply safety and quality.
The collaboration between REN and Atlante represents a significant step forward in advancing sustainable and efficient electric vehicle charging infrastructure, positioning Portugal as a leader in environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
