Energy: accelerating with the brake on
The energy transition is a critical issue that must be prioritized in economic, industrial, and climate policy discussions. It is essential for sustainable development and addressing climate change.

Latest news and stories about energy transition in Portugal for expats and residents.
The energy transition is a critical issue that must be prioritized in economic, industrial, and climate policy discussions. It is essential for sustainable development and addressing climate change.

We are stronger as part of the EU, we would be even stronger as parts of a global West with countries sharing convergent values and interests.

In a debate on energy transition broadcast on SIC Notícias, experts argued that Europe must continue to invest in renewable energy and needs to maintain “technological neutrality” so as not to limit innovation. The discussion was based on a recent study by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation in partnership with Brookings, for which Expresso served as a media partner.

A critical mass of countries is beginning to plan for the phase-out of fossil fuels. Opinion by Mark Hertsgaard

The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Portugal visited the Port of Sines to discuss bilateral relations and logistics.

The energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East is costing the EU 500 million euros per day. The Commission is preparing an Action Plan with “ambitious goals” to accelerate the transition.

Portugal provided a correct response to the incident of April 28, 2025, and must continue to be guided by increased and continuous demands for rules and regulations that anticipate the challenges of the energy transition. This is what it did for the introduction of solar photovoltaic production in 2015, and as it had already done with the integration of...

Every delay in the energy transition translates into costs on the electricity bill, impacts business competitiveness, and affects the country's autonomy.

The attack by the USA and Israel on Iran will influence the negotiations in Colombia to discuss the abandonment of fossil fuels, explains Brazilian economist Laura Carvalho.

Filipe Araújo, an electronic engineer and energy expert, believes that Europe has been 'slow' in the transition to renewable energy sources and warns of a problem that could recur in the future if the process is not accelerated.

The former Minister of Economy has no doubts that the war will accelerate the energy transition. However, he warns that the world still depends heavily on oil and this crisis could be worse than the 1970s.

The transition away from fossil fuels may have its origins in Santa Marta.

The fuel crisis caused by the war in Iran is being used by Brussels to try to accelerate a structural transformation towards clean energy and energy efficiency. However, the countries' response is primarily focused on measures for immediate mitigation of the impact of rising prices and the potential political 'cost' it may bring them.

GreenYellow will lead the expansion of MD Group's photovoltaic plants in Leiria and Valado dos Frades, in an on-site solar project under a PPA for self-consumption, reinforcing their joint commitment to decarbonisation and energy cost reduction. In Leiria, the intervention increased the installed capacity to 950 kWp, adding 399 kWp to a pre-existing 551 kWp unit. In Nazaré (Valado dos Frades), the MD Plastics plant now has 831 kWp. Together, the two facilities are expected to produce approximately 1,593 MWh per year—enough energy to supply more than 455 households—and avoid the emission of over 170 tonnes of CO₂ annually. For MD Group, the initiative reduces dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to energy price volatility, aligning the value chain with growing environmental requirements. Bruno Campos, Quality Director at MD Group, considered the partnership “fundamental to our sustainability and competitiveness strategy.” Luís Almeida, General Manager of GreenYellow Portugal, stated that the project illustrates “how solid partnerships and adapted solutions enable an accessible and efficient energy transition.” French company GreenYellow enters the Portuguese solar energy market.

The Middle East crisis has brought the issue of energy sovereignty to the national agenda. Like other European countries, Portugal remains heavily dependent on foreign energy imports, and when access to these goods fails, the socioeconomic costs are severe. While Portugal has made extraordinary progress in renewable energy, bureaucratic and legislative hurdles continue to hinder investment. Recent legal challenges, such as the halting of the Neves-Corvo solar plant, highlight the need for a more pragmatic legislative framework to accelerate the energy transition, ensure strategic autonomy, and support the infrastructure required for emerging technologies.

There is a clear solution to both the climate crisis and the cost-of-living crisis caused by fossil fuels: accelerating the transition to clean energy systems.
The study, which is expected to be completed within 120 days, will be carried out by the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG) in coordination with the Mining Development Company (EDM).

Portugal will be represented by the Climate Agency at a conference in Colombia. Among the justifications provided is the need to “avoid emissions” and “unnecessary consumption of fossil fuels”.

Brazilian economist Jorge Arbache stated to Lusa today that the global energy crisis and the policies of US President Donald Trump are involuntarily accelerating the global energy transition.

Without grids, industry, raw materials and capital, the European energy transition will be cleaner, but not necessarily freer. Opinion by João Maria Botelho

The 20th century was marked by the geopolitics of oil and natural gas. The 21st century will be increasingly marked by the geopolitics of electricity.

A representative of the sector in Portugal appeals for the urgency of accelerating the Action Plan for Biomethane, which they believe is a “real energy transition path” in light of the impact caused by the war in Iran.

Following a European Council meeting dedicated to the competitiveness of the energy sector, Luís Montenegro says that Europe must seize the 'opportunities that each can offer' and praises Portugal.

At the European summit in Brussels, the President of the European Council called for a focus on domestic energy sources, after the conflict in Iran caused fuel prices to soar in Europe.

The webpage highlights EDP’s commitment to Portugal’s energy transition and sustainable development. It emphasizes the company’s focus on renewable energy, digital innovation, and social impact initiatives within Portugal, including partnerships to accelerate renewable-powered data centers and industry flexibility projects. EDP aims to support Portugal’s digital growth, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience through substantial investments, responsible actions, and fostering local talent, positioning Portugal as a leader in sustainable energy and digital infrastructure.

Pedro Amaral Jorge is leaving the presidency of the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN) after eight years, the association announced this Monday, the 16th. APREN stated it will communicate information regarding the new leadership in due course, adding that in the meantime, the institution's normal operations will be ensured by the board and its team. The association highlighted that Pedro Amaral Jorge played a decisive role in establishing APREN as the representative voice of the renewable energy sector in Portugal, contributing to strengthening the sector's position in public debate and promoting policies essential to accelerating the energy transition. They also thanked him for his dedication and energy, noting his fundamental contribution during a particularly demanding and transformative period for the national energy transition. APREN has over 200 members and is responsible for coordinating and representing the sector's common priorities, as well as promoting renewable energy to all energy sector stakeholders and civil society. APREN: Blackout forced more gas production and moves Portugal away from climate goals.
A report on the partnership between Etermar and Tekever focused on the energy transition.

Berta Cabral stated that it is imperative to invest increasingly in renewable energy as viable alternatives.

EDP has brought into operation Portugal's first onshore hydro and solar energy project. The 89 MW Pracana complex, located in central Portugal, combines a 48 MW solar plant with 90,000 panels and the existing 41 MW Pracana hydroelectric facility. It will generate enough energy to supply around 51,800 households and avoid approximately 35,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. This project is a significant step for the energy sector and reinforces the company’s commitment to the energy transition.

Among the main recommendations from the organisation in the energy sector is the creation of a municipal programme “Climate Funds” to support families.
