In an international context marked by political and economic challenges, Portugal aims to consolidate its leadership in the energy transition by expanding its renewable capacity, with a strong focus on solar energy—both large-scale and distributed—and the development of storage solutions.
According to Jerónimo Meira da Cunha, Associated Director | Markets & Business Development – Energy & Resources at EY Portugal, «2025 is a critical year as it marks the halfway point toward the 2030 climate targets.»
Primarily, the country doubles its photovoltaic capacity target to 20.4 GW operational by the end of the decade, compared to the 9 GW outlined in the previous National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC). Of this total, 14.9 GW are designated for large-scale plants, and 5.5 GW for distributed generation. In an interview with Energía Estratégica España, the analyst states, «This requires assessing whether we are aligned with the targets and, if necessary, adjusting the trajectory to achieve them.»
The country particularly stands out in solar energy development, with 2.5 GW allocated in recent auctions, about 25% of which is already operational. Additionally, the implementation of Decree-Law 15/2022 opens the door to an additional 11 to 12 GW of solar capacity to be developed, cementing Portugal’s position as a key player in the European renewable energy landscape.
According to Meira da Cunha, «Hybridization, repowering, and optimizing existing assets could add another 1 to 2 GW to the grid, maximizing the use of available resources.»
One of the sector’s biggest challenges is environmental licensing, driven by increasing local opposition to new projects. «The fair distribution of benefits, such as compensation to municipalities or energy-sharing agreements with communities, can be a key tool to mitigate social resistance,» explains the EY executive, who also emphasizes the importance of regulations that promote the digitization and optimization of current assets.
Energy storage is emerging as a strategic solution to address market volatility and ensure greater integration of renewable energy. In 2025, the first battery projects are expected to come online, marking a milestone in Portugal’s capacity to efficiently manage energy generated by renewable sources. «Storage will be essential not only to stabilize the system but also to facilitate the integration of new renewable capacity without compromising existing infrastructure,» says the expert.
Although the country does not offer direct incentives such as guaranteed tariffs, it compensates for this with a more stable regulatory framework, exceptional natural resources, and an innovative ecosystem that fosters the competitiveness of its projects. Meira da Cunha highlights that «Portugal is an attractive destination for industries seeking locations with clean, affordable, and reliable energy.»
Moreover, 2025 will be shaped by the transposition of European directives such as RED III and those related to the internal electricity market. These measures could open opportunities in emerging sectors such as hydrogen and bioenergy, accelerating the energy transition and positioning Portugal as a regional leader in energy innovation.
As the country progresses toward its 2030 targets, success will depend on its ability to overcome regulatory and social challenges, optimize its infrastructure, and stimulate electricity demand in key sectors such as transportation and industry. The implementation of innovative solutions and strategic planning will be critical for Portugal to consolidate its leadership in renewable energy and contribute to global decarbonization goals.
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