The Government approved today, 04 October 2024, a set of measures in the Council of Ministers on Energy and Climate with the aim of strengthening the fight against climate change and accelerating the energy transition in Portugal. 

PNEC 2030 revision with more ambitious targets

Among the main measures approved we note the revision of the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC 2030), which boosts the country’s ambition for the coming decade. The plan sets a rise in the use of renewables, setting a target of 51% of renewables in the final energy consumption by 2030. In addition, the target to cut GHG emissions was set at 55% compared to 2005 levels.

The plan also includes a significant increase in the capacity to store energy, which will become 2 GW, and a boost in green hydrogen production with a 3 GW installed electrolysis capacity by. Offshore wind power will also play a central role with an estimated 2 GW installed capacity by the end of the decade. 

Setting up the Climate Agency

Another crucial decision was setting up the Climate Agency whose mission is to ensure greater efficacy in implementing climate policy, ensuring planning, monitoring, and accountability. The agency will play a fundamental role in accelerating the licensing processes and simplifying procedures, guaranteeing transparency and swiftness in the assessments and public tenders.

Energy for the people and process simplification

The Government also announced specific measures to promote the energy transition among the citizens and small communities. The simplification of procedures to license renewable energy projects was approved with a special focus on self-consumption and the creation of renewable energy communities. Small consumers, such as residential developments, universities and small companies will benefit from simpler procedures, which will encourage implementing these sustainable solutions.

 Encouragement to decarbonise the economy

Under the economy decarbonisation, the commitment to encourage sustainable economic growth was reinforced. The Government announced measures to promote the use of sustainable fuels, including the creation of the Alliance for Aviation Sustainability and the incentive on producing biomethane and green hydrogen in Portugal. The aim of these initiatives is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, making the economy more sustainable and competitive.

Through these measures, Portugal is staking its leadership position in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable economic growth. The Government continues to place people at the core of the energy transition while fostering innovation and investment to guarantee a greener and more competitive future.