The EU Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson, has praised Portugal for its work on offshore renewable energy and green hydrogen during her speech at the Great Summit of the Sustainability and Society Forum in Matosinhos, Portugal. Simson commended Portugal for its high renewable energy target and joint electrification plans with Spain.
Simson highlighted that Portugal’s current and planned work in offshore renewable energy, such as wind and wave energy, is remarkable, and the increase in interest from investors is promising. Brussels is working closely with member states to lead in offshore renewables and aims to achieve 111 GW throughout the European Union by 2030 and 317 GW by 2050. This figure is double the initial goal for the end of this decade.
Moreover, the commissioner addressed the issue of strengthening electricity networks between Portugal and Spain, calling it a “challenge” but a project of common interest with great potential. She stressed that this will ensure that the market works well, and the Iberian Peninsula is better integrated into the European energy market.
Simson also applauded Portugal for being ahead of the rest of Europe in renewable hydrogen, referring to the Port of Sines, which has the potential to supply western Europe and aligns well with the Commission’s plan to make Europe the first region with a full ecosystem to develop and commercialise renewable hydrogen. The EU aims to produce ten million tonnes of renewable hydrogen in 2030 and import another ten million tonnes from third countries.
In the final part of her speech, Simson assured that the EU “is emerging from the energy crisis with cautious optimism” and that the EU cannot “be complacent.” She praised Portugal’s goal of having 80% of its energy produced through renewable sources by 2026 as “particularly recommendable.”
Despite the promising developments, challenges remain. The EU is aware of the unpredictable nature of Russia and the potential impact of climate change, such as very dry summers or hard, cold winters, as well as China’s re-emergence on the global market as a major energy importer after lifting its COVID-19 restrictions.
In conclusion, Portugal’s remarkable efforts towards offshore renewable energy and green hydrogen are an essential step towards the EU’s ambitious goal of decarbonizing the economy. Portugal’s leadership and efforts can serve as an example to other EU member states, and the EU will continue to work closely with Portugal to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future.
