This prize, worth 50 thousand euros, is awarded to natural persons or non-profit private individuals, who have distinguished themselves in Portugal in the Sustainability area.

This distinction represents an important contribution to the implementation of the commercialization project, which will make Coopérnico the first cooperative to commercialize electricity throughout the country. For Nuno Brito Jorge, President of Coopérnico, "This is a prize full of symbolism. First and foremost because it occurs in the year in which Gulbenkian made the announcement - which filled us with pride - of alienation of its fossil assets. It is also of particular importance to emerge as Coopérnico seeks to take the step of becoming an independent marketer of electricity, facing major obstacles and surprising regulatory changes, in a country where it is increasingly difficult for small players in the exist. To receive a Gulbenkian award is much more than a quality stamp, which in our case rewards a small team of employees, volunteers, and all citizens who through Coopérnico are involved in the transition to a more sustainable energy system and democratic. We hope it will also be a lever to be many more. "

After almost five years of activity, Coopérnico brought together more than 1,000 members, with € 804,500 invested directly by members in renewable energy production and 740 kWp of installed capacity in 15 photovoltaic plants throughout the country. Most recently, the cooperative has exceeded 1 GWh of annual renewable energy production. In 2018 Coopérnico wants to be the first company in the social economy to commercialize electricity throughout the country.