How ADENE is Leading the Energy Transition in Portugal: Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Future*

With the joint effort of governments, citizens, and businesses, we can ensure that Europe leads the global response to climate change, advances renewable energy, and creates a fairer and more resilient energy system for future generations.Introduction:        

The climate crisis is an urgent reality, and the world is increasingly aware that the energy transition is essential to mitigate its effects. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), if we continue the current path, global temperatures could rise by up to 2.4°C by the end of the century – exceeding the limits set by the Paris Agreement.

In this context, the transition to a low-carbon economy is not just an environmental issue but also an opportunity for economic growth, technological innovation, and social justice. In Portugal, ADENE, the Portuguese Energy Agency, has been a key player in promoting this transition, supporting public policies, promoting energy efficiency, and involving citizens and businesses in building a more sustainable future.

Robust Public Policies and Planning: A Crucial Pillar

Implementing strong public policies is fundamental to ensuring an effective energy transition. In Portugal, we have concrete examples of how well-structured policies are driving the country in the right direction. ADENE acts as a bridge between the government, the private sector, and civil society, facilitating the implementation of these policies and ensuring that the established targets are met.

One significant example is the revised National Energy and Climate Plan, which will soon be submitted to the European Commission. This plan sets ambitious goals, such as a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and increasing the share of renewable energy to 51% of final energy consumption.

This transition focuses heavily on technologies such as wind energy, both onshore and offshore, as well as solar energy, which has seen substantial investment across the country.

The Active Role of Citizens: The Transition Cannot Happen Without Them

No energy transition will succeed without the active participation of citizens. It is essential that people are not only aware of the importance of the transition but also actively involved in it.

In Portugal, initiatives like the "More Sustainable Buildings" Program and the "Efficiency Voucher" have supported citizens in making their homes more energy efficient, with ADENE playing a crucial role in the implementation of these programs.

Moreover, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are emerging as an innovative solution to decentralize energy production and consumption, allowing citizens to take a leading role in the energy transition. ADENE has been actively working on creating guides and support models to facilitate the implementation of these communities.

The Workforce Skills Gap: A Global Challenge

One of the major challenges we face in the energy transition is the shortage of skilled professionals. While the renewable energy sector is creating millions of new jobs, there is still a significant lack of qualified workers.

The IEA's 2023 World Energy Employment report highlights this paradox: between 2019 and 2022, the clean energy sector generated around 4.7 million jobs worldwide, yet the demand for skilled workers continues to grow. ADENE is addressing this challenge by establishing training centers, such as the Energy Transition Training Centre, in partnership with renewable energy association - APREN and the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training - IEFP.

These initiatives aim to ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet the new demands of the sector, promoting the development of technical skills and strengthening the competitiveness of Portuguese companies.

An Inclusive Transition: All Actors Must Be Onboard

The energy transition cannot be achieved by just one group of actors. It requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society. ADENE has been exemplary in fostering continuous dialogue with all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is committed to a common goal.

The Energy Saving Plan, developed at the request of the government, is an example of this collaboration. With measures aimed at reducing energy and water consumption and promoting sustainable mobility solutions, Portugal exceeded the European target of a 15% reduction in natural gas consumption between August 2022 and March 2024 by 150%, demonstrating the country's leadership in the energy transition.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future Within Reach

The energy transition is undoubtedly one of the greatest global challenges we face. ADENE, through its continued commitment to innovative public policies, promotion of energy efficiency, and support for a skilled workforce, is ensuring that Portugal is at the forefront of this change.

As the scientist Vaclav Smil aptly stated: "Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energies is a task that will certainly occupy us for several generations." This reminds us of the magnitude of the challenge, but also of the importance of coordinated and urgent actions.

With the joint effort of governments, citizens, and businesses, we can ensure that Europe leads the global response to climate change, advances renewable energy, and creates a fairer and more resilient energy system for future generations.

Call to Action:

Engage in the debate on energy transition and take an active part in building a sustainable future. ADENE is committed to leading this movement, but success will only be possible with everyone’s participation. Together, we can build a greener and more efficient tomorrow.

*Based on the intervention of 12/09/2024 to the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe