Solar energy accounts for 15% of total electricity consumption in Portugal

Caspian Energy (CE): Dear Madame Minister, how well are the EU actions coordinated on the issues of environmental protection and renewable energy sector? What pan-European projects are being implemented?

Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy of Portugal:  I would say that our coordination level is better than ever.  We have recently approved the Nature Restoration Act, which is a landmark – not just for Europe but for the World -, in the sense that, for the first time, there are binding targets for the restoration of ecosystems. At the same time, this legislation leaves enough flexibility for Member States to develop their national plans. We are also actively accelerating our move from fossil fuels. As you know, the revised Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/2413), which entered into force in all Member-States on 20 November 2023, raises the EU’s binding renewable target for 2030 to a minimum of 42.5%, with the possibility of reaching 45%. This was a major step from the previous 32% target. Of course, again, there are different realities amongst European countries, and this is something that we have considered during the legislative process. However, I can safely say that we are heading in the right direction. 

Regarding pan-European projects, there are multiple initiatives being implemented under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme in the fields of Climate, Energy and Mobility. Several of these projects are included in the new generation of European Partnerships, of which I was a rapporteur in the European Parliament. 

In the field of international cooperation, it is also worth mentioning that the EU has allocated €3.7 billion from deve­lopment funds to sustainable energy actions in partner countries, covering the period between 2024 and 2030.