The PNEC 2030 targets are ambitious, but are we truly on the path to meeting them? Right now, the Direct Agreements – Terms of Reference remain Portugal’s only real chance of making meaningful progress, yet they are continuously ignored in discussions. ❌
🔍 Key concerns:
👉 Why does APREN (Portuguese Renewables Association) focus on offshore wind and Spain’s installation numbers, while overlooking the pressing need to advance these projects? 🇵🇹🔄🇪🇸
👉 Offshore wind could cost up to €800M per year 💰—not including additional grid infrastructure costs—potentially worsening the tariff deficit 📉
👉 Meanwhile, studies on 78 projects 📑 should have been completed long ago, yet only a select few were prioritized 🤷
📌 Nenuphar Advisors 2023 Study: The Path Was Clear, Yet Ignored
In 2023, Nenuphar Advisors conducted a comparative study which concluded that all 78 projects in the Terms of Reference should have been studied together to ensure that Portugal would have its Renewable Energy sector aligned with Spanish concrete projects being the Iberian market a common one OMIE/OMIP. Instead, a selective approach was taken, delaying progress and leaving Portugal at risk of missing its targets, as it is now being proved.
📖 Read the full study here: REN vs REE – Connection Permits – 20thMarch2023
🚨 A Call for Action: Wind Energy Terms of Reference Needed was the second conclusion!
If we are serious about achieving PNEC 2030, Portugal must also implement a Wind Energy Terms of Reference process. Wind energy onshore, not offshore, should be integrated into a clear, structured framework instead of being handled in an isolated and inconsistent manner. Without this, we risk being chronically dependent on energy imports from Spain, instead of strengthening our energy sovereignty.
⏳ It’s time for the TSO REN, the Portuguese Ministry of Ambiente and Energia, and stakeholders to act! The Direct Agreements – Termos de Referência studies for the batch of 5GW/1GW have been done—so why haven’t the results been published yet? 🧐 Investors, developers, and the energy transition itself cannot afford further delays 🚦
📢 To APREN’s members with projects in the Terms of Reference: Now is the time to apply pressure and push for results! Without focus and urgency, we will go nowhere. 🚀