Maria da Graça Carvalho explains that the commitment makes sense in countries, particularly in central Europe, “that have less sun, will have less wind, less hydroelectric power and, therefore, have lower renewable potential.”
Minister rules out investment in nuclear energy

Context & Explainers

- Minister of Environment and Energy (2024–present)
- Party: Social Democratic Party (PSD), Partido Social Democrata
- Background: Mechanical engineer, academic, former MEP
Maria da Graça Carvalho (born 1955) is a Portuguese engineer and politician serving as Minister of Environment and Energy in the AD government. She holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and had a distinguished academic career at Instituto Superior Técnico, specializing in energy systems and building physics.
She served as a Member of the European Parliament (2009–2024), where she focused on research policy, innovation funding (Horizon 2020/Europe), and energy policy. Before entering politics, she was a scientific advisor to European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
As Environment Minister, she oversees Portugal's energy transition, renewable energy expansion, water resources management, climate adaptation, and environmental regulation — portfolios that are central to issues like wildfire prevention, coastal erosion, and meeting EU climate targets.
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Other news coverage of this topic
- Nuclear energy: EU to increase investment • RTP Notícias
- Minister says investment in nuclear energy "makes no sense" in Portugal • Correio da Manhã
- Investment in nuclear energy "makes no sense" in Portugal, says minister • ECO
- Minister says investment in nuclear energy "makes no sense" in Portugal • Diário de Notícias









