Port of Sines Energy Transition: Photovoltaic Solutions Addressing R⁴ Concept

Photovoltaic energy is essential for the energy transition. It is crucial to begin this process in sectors with the highest energy consumption and emission of polluting gases. In 2019, the energy sector was responsible for around 77% of greenhouse gas emissions, of which approximately one third was associated with transport [1] which is a fundamental role in a country's economy. Around 90% of the European Union's commercial exports are carried out by sea [2]. The Port of Sines in Portugal is recognized as the 14th largest container port in Europe [3] and the main port on the Ibero-Atlantic coast [4]. However, limited land space available in the Port of Sines Administration entity jurisdiction area for installing photovoltaic systems represents a challenge. Therefore, the application of the R⁴ approach (Roads, Rooftops, Railways and Reservoirs) presents itself as a possible solution. The study of this paper focused on the techno-economic potential of this approach where it was concluded that implementing this solution could supply approximately 45% of the annual electricity consumption recorded by the port in 2022, which amounted to 27 GWh.