The government is drafting a decree-law to regulate the construction and operation of data centres across Portugal by the end of the year. Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that the rules will establish criteria for national interest, electrical grid connection fees, and water consumption, while requiring facilities to use renewable energy. Industrial consumers will continue to receive priority over data centres when connecting to the electrical grid.
Portugal Prepares Regulations for Data Centre Power and Water
Monday, 2 November 2026AI summary
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.
