History of Labelec

In a country characterized by rural life and primarily dedicated to agricultural activities during the Estado Novo era, within a global context focused on war efforts and on the eve of the independence movements of the Portuguese overseas colonies, it was ultimately a time when there was not necessarily a political agenda regarding innovation and industrial development.

The roots of EDP Labelec trace back to the 1950s, under a different name: the Central Laboratories of CNE (National Electricity Company). We can confidently assert that the creation of the organized Portuguese electrical system, as well as the foundation of what is currently EDP Labelec, is due to the thoughts and actions of Professor Engineer Ferreira Dias Júnior. His fundamental idea was to evolve the Portuguese economy, abandoning the precarious and mainly agricultural character that shaped it and launching it into an era of modernization focused on industry and new development values.

In the year 1955, the work on the Sacavém Complex of CNE, the proper designation of the era, was declared complete, and where the EDP Labelec Laboratories still operate today.

With the beginning of electrotechnical and chemical laboratory activities, a giant step was taken to ensure the safety and continuity of electric service as well as establish a path for evolution.

In this historical phase that follows the "Carnation Revolution" in 1974, the activities of the laboratories, similar to all other socio-economic sectors, entered a kind of impasse due to the uncertainty that the future perceived. Despite the Laboratory being at the forefront of specialized technical work and the development of scientific knowledge, a large portion of testing and research consisted of the punctual resolution of internal problems within the company's operational areas, which partially represented an underutilization of the existing internal potential. Associated with the image of excellence, an indelible mark, is the fact that its workforce comprised recent graduates from the Instituto Superior Técnico who obtained the highest grades and collaborated in the laboratory areas of chemistry and electrical engineering.

Considering its potential, based on the technical and human resources that integrated the Laboratory, LABELEC - Studies, Development and Laboratory Activities, S.A. was created in August 1994, within the scope of the restructuring of Electricity of Portugal, E.P.E.

In 2013, with new objectives defined, this was a phase of expansion. Supported by an efficient organizational model, EDP Labelec seeks a commercial approach with special attention to Client needs and the creation of innovative networking partnerships. Given its potential, EDP Labelec began to be recognized as the Technical Center of Excellence for the entire electricity supply chain.

Outside the EDP Group, numerous projects and partnerships emerged that meant a significant increase in the volume of work, considering the previous operations within the EDP Group companies. In any case, the vision remained unchanged: to provide highly specialized services within its areas of activity while aiming for technological development. The business strategy of each department and each worker is a commitment assumed by all, bearing in mind that the success of EDP Labelec depended on adequately responding to client needs through strict adherence to deadlines while maintaining high quality standards. Due to this evolution, EDP Labelec positions itself in the market as a technology and innovation center of the EDP Group, focusing on providing services in four specific areas: Testing & Trials (which provide responses to asset management and maintenance to increase safety, reduce failures and incidents, and optimize environmental and maintenance costs), Environment (technical services for water sample collection and laboratory tests in chemistry and biology, but also studies, consulting, and technical support to meet environmental obligations), Certification, Qualification and Inspections (development of certifications, qualifications, and inspection activities for electrical equipment and/or external service providers), and Energy Consulting (this department conducts analytical and numerical simulation studies, consulting projects, development and applied innovation projects in the energy domain).

These four areas are in line with the corporate purpose of EDP Labelec in engineering and laboratory research and development.

EDP Labelec, in partnership with EDP Distribution, in 2019, marked the opening of a new infrastructure called SmartLab-Substation Automation Systems (SAS). This new EDP Labelec Laboratory aims to address new challenges in the field of Protection and Automation Systems (SAS), namely the development of SAS solutions that ensure interoperability and interchangeability between manufacturers of such solutions.

In 2022 and after 30 years, EDP Labelec moves its facilities close to its previous location. Modern laboratories were built to meet customers' new challenges and needs!

SunLab, InovGrid, Red:dy, WindFloat. These are some of the innovative projects in terms of energy efficiency and entrepreneurship. These projects reinforce the importance of specialized support that EDP Labelec offers. In this area, we must bring the EDP FabLab to the forefront. Created through a joint effort with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the EDP FabLab is the first Portuguese digital laboratory, located in our facilities. It's a place where creativity and innovation strive, open to anyone who wishes to transform their original idea into a market-ready product. To do so, it features rapid prototyping tools such as a 3D printer, laser cutting and vinyl machines, among others.

From the EDP FabLab emerged projects such as wind turbines, smart grids, and houses that rely solely on solar energy for their energy consumption needs. In the current context and anticipating what the future will be, the essential lies in cooperation in scientific research activities, development of "green energy" technologies, as well as mutual technical support and joint participation in international projects.