The Portuguese government has just released the first revision of its National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (PNEC 2030), outlining a new path towards decarbonization and accelerating its commitment to renewable energy . For the first time, the country has brought forward its target for incorporating renewable sources into its electricity production, aiming to achieve 80% clean energy generation by 2026, four years ahead of schedule. This move is part of the country’s climate neutrality strategy, which is now set for 2045.
The document, released by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action (MAAC), is the result of a comprehensive public consultation and meetings with various sectors of society , including the Participa Portal, workshops and regional Participatory Assemblies. The final version will be submitted to the European Commission by June 2024.
Key Goals for a New Energy and Climate Strategy
The revised PNEC 2030 presents targets and policies that align with the Climate Framework Law and demonstrate renewed ambition for the decarbonization of strategic sectors. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, promoting significant changes in industry, transportation, agriculture and buildings. The focus on renewable energy is central to this strategy, with a significant increase in installed capacity for electricity production from renewable sources such as solar and wind.
For green hydrogen, Portugal plans to expand the capacity of its electrolyzers from 2.5 GW to 5.5 GW by 2030, in order to decarbonize the industry and attract new investments in the hydrogen value chain. This strategy also includes investments in solar photovoltaic power generation, both centralized and decentralized, with an occupation of only 0.4% of the national territory, in order to balance development and sustainability.
The PNEC review also introduces a mission structure for renewable energy, with new areas of incentive for advanced projects and a green lane for the licensing of mature projects , as a way to speed up the process and boost the sector.
Investments in Infrastructure and Energy Transition
Portugal’s energy transition involves substantial investment, estimated at €75 billion by 2030, covering renewable energy and gas projects . This amount represents an economic boost that will benefit both the equipment and services supply industry and the establishment of green industries in the country, promoting social cohesion and the creation of quality jobs in several regions.
In the wind sector, for example, Portugal plans to hold auctions for the installation of up to 10 GW of offshore capacity by 2030, with a first auction in 2024 for the deployment of at least 2 GW of capacity . These efforts aim to reduce dependence on natural gas, with the resource expected to be eliminated for electricity generation by 2040.
The government also emphasizes the importance of energy security through investments in grid and storage infrastructure, including batteries and hydro pumping . Flexible grid management, accompanied by appropriate infrastructure planning, aims to sustain the country's growth without compromising the stability of the electricity system.
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