Berta Cabral says Azores' energy strategy puts Region at forefront of European Green Deal and "Fit for 55" targets - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures stated on Monday that the Azores‘ strategy in the field of energy puts the Region “in a prominent position in terms of alignment with the targets and goals of the European Commission, the European Green Deal and the 'Fit for 55' legislation package."

Berta Cabral spoke at the public session "Fair Transition: The Contribution of the Social Plan to Climate." which took place at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada. This initiative was promoted by the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, the Agency for Development and Cohesion, and the Climate Agency.

"For decades, the Region has managed to take on, with courage and innovation, an energy vision based on sustainability and the smart use of renewable resources. From geothermal power to hydropower, from wind energy to photovoltaics, the Azores have maintained a consistent line of environmental commitment, with a performance that is unparalleled in Portugal and internationally recognised," she said.

She continued: "More than an obligation, it is a firm belief and a responsibility for us. We want to continue leading the way in sustainability, decarbonisation, and the construction of a cleaner and more resilient energy future."

The exposure of the Azores to climate change effects and their geographical limitations, she added, have forced the Region, "earlier than most European territories, to think about specific solutions and good practices adapted to the local reality."

"Bearing this mind, we have created the Azores Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, which is primarily aimed at a significant reduction in emissions, fostering the use of renewable energy sources, promoting forests as a carbon sink and boosting energy efficiency in all sectors of society," she said.

Berta Cabral considered this guiding document a "fundamental part" of the Azorean strategy until 2030. However, she noted that "energy transition cannot be carried out in an unbalanced or unequal manner, nor can it be rushed or unsustained."

She defended rigorous planning as well as the involvement of citizens, companies, local authorities, social sector institutions and the scientific community, pointing out that "an energy transition will only be truly effective if it is also socially equitable."

She took the opportunity to list the investments underway in the Azores, with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), such as the one in Corvo, where a pioneering project is underway to integrate wind and photovoltaic energy. It will make this island an example of island energy self-sufficiency, similar to Graciosa, a model island.

In São Miguel and Terceira, a large volume of resources is being allocated to extend the use of geothermal energy, one of the most stable and sustainable energy sources.

With SOLENERGE, the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in thousands of homes and businesses in the Region has been promoted with unrivalled success.

Berta Cabral emphasised that the Social Climate Fund and the Social Climate Plan are timely mechanisms to continue the transformation underway, in addition to being opportunities to ensure that no one is left behind in this process.

These tools, she added, "will increase support for families experiencing energy poverty, encourage green mobility, stimulate the renovation of buildings and promote access to clean technologies."

For the government official, this area requires "a consistent policy that fails to recognise territorial diversity will always be doomed to inconsequential results. We need to build impactful solutions focused on people and communities. Within these solutions, the energy efficiency of buildings must be a priority."

However, she defended the need to "invest in the literacy of families, so that they know how to benefit from these opportunities, make better use of equipment and rationally manage their consumption. Decarbonising housing is another major goal."

In her view, "replacing fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems with clean, electric solutions should be encouraged."

"We need to make the transition to heat pumps, solar thermal systems and efficient equipment more accessible on all islands and in all social contexts," she said.

For the Regional Secretary, mobility is also an essential axis. In the Azores, "we have tried to lead the way in this matter, with incentive programmes for the purchase of electric vehicles, including taxi operators, the creation of a network of charging stations, with 66 stations already installed, and the unprecedented project for the acquisition of two electric vessels to transport passengers between the 'triangle' islands (Faial, Pico and São Jorge."