Portugal's Bold Climate Action Plan: Fighting Energy Poverty and Aiming for Net Zero by 2045

Portugal's new government has unveiled an ambitious climate action plan, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. This aligns with European obligations but poses a significant challenge, given that emissions in 2022 were only 34.5% lower than in 2005.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Neutrality Climática em 2045? The government aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, ahead of the European target of 2050. This ambitious goal is part of the Climate Base Law, which was enacted in 2022 but never implemented by the previous socialist government.

2. Pobreza energética e de mobilidade A major commitment is the fight against energy poverty, with the introduction of the Plano Social para o Clima. This includes programs like Bairros mais Sustentáveis and E-Lar, aimed at supporting vulnerable families with energy efficiency and electrification.

3. Comunidades de energia The plan also emphasizes accelerating renewable energy access through autoconsumo and Comunidades de Energia Renovável (CER), despite current delays in licensing.

4. Dar gás à Agência para o Clima The government plans to operationalize the Agência para o Clima, which will manage European funds and the Fundo Ambiental, to lead new climate policies.

5. Reindustrialização verde Promoting green reindustrialization, the government will support projects in renewable gases and sustainable fuels, including biometano, green hydrogen, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Highlights

• Revised Roteiro para a Neutralidade Climática to target 2045.
• New supports for energy poverty through social programs and simplified aid access.
• Acceleration of renewable energy projects and community energy initiatives.
• Operationalization of the Agência para o Clima to oversee climate policies and funds.
• Promotion of green industrial projects and sustainable fuels.