Portugal is taking bold steps towards a greener and more sustainable future by investing in the production of hydrogen and renewable gases. With a new €70 million programme under REPowerEU and a significant investment from the Recovery and Resilience Programme, Portugal aims to strengthen its energy independence and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The government’s ambitious targets include doubling the capacity of electrolysers by 2030 and launching auctions for biomethane and renewable hydrogen. As Portugal charts its path towards a low-carbon future, it faces challenges in infrastructure development and ensuring cost competitiveness. However, with determination and strategic planning, Portugal is poised to become a leading player in the renewable hydrogen landscape.
The Portuguese government is taking significant strides to support the production of hydrogen and renewable gases, signaling its commitment to transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. With a budget allocation of €70 million under REPowerEU, Portugal aims to advance its efforts in the field of renewable energy.
REPowerEU, a European Commission initiative, aims to curb Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Portugal’s participation in this program demonstrates its determination to strengthen energy security and promote clean energy solutions.
The Recovery and Resilience Programme is a crucial financial source for supporting the production of hydrogen and renewable gases in Portugal. With an investment of €185 million, the program aims to drive innovation and foster sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector.
As part of the revised Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (PNEC 2030), Portugal has set ambitious targets for renewable hydrogen. The National Hydrogen Strategy has been updated to increase the planned capacity of electrolysers from 2.5 GW to 5.5 GW by 2030, showcasing the nation’s determination to embrace clean and sustainable energy sources.
Portugal plans to launch an auction for the centralised purchase of biomethane and renewable hydrogen by the end of the year. The goal is to inject these green gases into the national gas grid, representing about 0.4% of the country’s annual natural gas consumption. The contract period will be 10 years, and the auction will offer 150 GWh/year of biomethane and 120 GWh/year of renewable hydrogen.
Portugal’s strategic initiatives and investments in renewable hydrogen and gases are steps in the right direction towards a future of clean energy independence. With a firm commitment to sustainability and resilience, Portugal is positioning itself as a prominent player in the global renewable hydrogen landscape.
