Latest news and stories about energy efficiency in Portugal for expats and residents.
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A group of researchers from the School of Sciences at the University of Minho (ECUM) is developing smart microfibres capable of regulating the temperature of construction materials, such as bituminous pavements and cement mortars for urban buildings. In the future, they could be applied in technical clothing or in the passive thermal management of satellites and aerospace sensors.
The Environmental Fund has more pending applications than those that have been paid. Applicants who received payment notifications were surprised to see their status reverted to a previous stage.
On February 21, the Zero Association for Sustainable Land Systems called for the reoccupation of vacant buildings to create affordable housing under the National Building Renovation Plan (PNRE). They emphasized the need for clearer targets, social safeguards, and better coordination with existing national policies to ensure the plan meets its climate and social objectives. The association warned that without these measures, the plan could lead to negative outcomes such as rent increases and displacement of vulnerable tenants. They also highlighted the importance of transparency in financing and the need for mechanisms to support low-income households.
Although Portugal's situation has improved, it still ranks among EU countries where households find it most difficult to heat their homes, due to factors such as high energy costs and low thermal efficiency in housing.
Energy efficiency is not just about a material's thermal performance. The choice of insulation should take into account safety, durability and environmental impact.
Wood emits 2.5 times more CO2 than natural gas and 30% more than coal when burned for heating. But there are ways to make fireplaces more efficient.
The government has launched a €15 million support programme to improve energy efficiency across the agricultural sector, aimed at modernising equipment, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable practices.
The Ministry of the Environment has said it may open a new phase next year.
Home Property Why energy is changing the value of real estate in Portugal Why energy is changing the value of real estate in Portugal For many years, when talking about real estate, the decisive factors were almost always the same: location, demand, prices, and potential for appreciation.
Companies are requesting a readjustment following the announcement of public financial support to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of homes. Loans are intended for home improvement works.
Access to the credit line will be through participating financial institutions, under terms to be defined by the Portuguese Development Bank.
Until now, energy efficiency works were reimbursed with non-repayable subsidies from the Environmental Fund and PRR, but from 2026 only low-income families will have access to such support. For the middle class, the Government will create a new credit line from the Development Bank.