The Government of Portugal approved a set of measures in the Council of Ministers dedicated to energy and climate, aiming to strengthen the fight against climate change and accelerate the energy transition in the country. These decisions seek to promote sustainable economic growth based on clean energy and efficient practices. 6k2m1p

Review of PNEC 2030 with ambitious goals 3l557

Among the main measures, the review of the National Plan for Energy and Climate 2030 (PNEC 2030) stands out, increasing the country's ambition for the next decade. This plan establishes a target of 51% of renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2030 and sets a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 2005 levels. Additionally, it foresees a significant increase in energy storage capacity, reaching 2 GW, and a boost in green hydrogen production, with an installed electrolysis capacity of 3 GW by 2030. Offshore wind energy will also play a prominent role, with a projected installed capacity of 2 GW by the end of the decade.

Creation of the Climate Agency 1p5d20

A key decision was the creation of the Climate Agency, which will ensure greater effectiveness in implementing climate policies. This agency will be responsible for simplifying licensing processes and ensuring transparency and speed in assessments and licensing procedures.

Simplification of licensing processes 3f2c3x

The Government also approved a Decree-Law that will be sent to the Autonomous Regions for consultation, simplifying the licensing of renewable energy projects. This decree aims to reduce bureaucracy and make licensing processes more transparent for both large-scale and small-scale projects, including self-consumption and renewable energy communities. Measures include establishing a maximum three-year period for granting offshore wind energy licenses, clarifying requirements for exemptions from Environmental Impact Assessment for repowering projects, and determining the presumption of public interest in licensing procedures for renewable energy plants. Additionally, the allowable distance between consumers in renewable energy communities in low-density areas will be doubled, a Market for Power Purchase Agreements will be created to provide greater price predictability, and improvements will be made to the Electricity Intensive Consumer Statute to align it with European regulations.

Decarbonization of aviation 383150

Regarding the decarbonization of aviation, the Government approved a Resolution of the Council of Ministers establishing the National Roap for Aviation Decarbonization (RONDA), which includes a €40 million incentive for technological development of sustainable aviation fuels. The Aviation Sustainability Alliance (ASA) will also be formed, a consortium that brings together key entities and companies in the sector, as well as environmental NGOs and academia.

Energy+Science program 93e4e

Furthermore, the Energy+Science program was launched, which will fund research projects, doctoral scholarships, and for researchers in the energy field, aimed at promoting innovation in this sector. The Resource Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan for Public istrations (ECO AP 360) was also approved, seeking to promote efficiency practices and facilitate the transition to a circular economy.

Commitment to sustainability 57632d

These measures, along with the regulation of the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) to control greenhouse gas emissions, reinforce the Government's commitment to sustainability. Through these initiatives, Portugal reaffirms its leadership in the fight against climate change and its commitment to a greener, more competitive future, focusing on people and innovation during the energy transition.