Overview
As of February 2025, the Portuguese government has updated its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) with more ambitious targets for renewable energy integration. The revised plan aims to achieve 93% renewable energy in electricity consumption by 2030, an increase from the previous target of 85% . Additionally, the government intends to meet 51% of the country's final energy needs with renewables by 2030, up from the earlier goal of 47%. In the heating and cooling sectors, the NECP has set an indicative target of 63% renewable energy share by 2030.
These solutions are supported through subsidies and a tax regulation.
Summary of support schemes
Financial Support Mechanisms
- More Sustainable Buildings Programme (Programa de Edifícios Mais Sustentáveis): This Environmental Fund programme supports energy efficiency improvements, including the installation of efficient heating and cooling systems.
- Energy Efficiency Fund (Fundo de Eficiência Energética - FEE): This public fund provides financial assistance to projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors, including residential heating and cooling.
- Tax Exemptions for Biofuels: To promote the use of renewable energy in heating and cooling, Portugal offers tax exemptions for biofuels utilized for energy purposes.
- PROENERGIA: an incentive programme aimed at increasing energy production from renewable resources in the Azores region.
Non-Financial Support Mechanisms
- Technical Training and Certification: Portugal mandates professional training and certification for installers of renewable energy systems, including solar thermal installations. This ensures high standards in the installation and maintenance of heating and cooling systems.
- Regulatory Frameworks: The country has implemented regulations requiring energy performance certification for buildings, promoting transparency and encouraging improvements in heating and cooling efficiency.
- Energy Saving Plans: The Portuguese government has moved beyond the 2022-2023 Energy Saving Plan, adopting the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 to enhance renewable energy use and cut emissions.
Competent authorities
- Ministry of Environment and Energy
- Environmental Fund
- Azores Regional Directorate of Energy (DREn)
- Directorate-General for Customs and Excise
- Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (Direção-Geral de Energia e Geologia - DGEG)
- Madeira Regional Directorate of Energy (DREn)
