Azores strengthen leadership in energy transition with launch of European NESOI+ project, says Berta Cabral - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures stated in Ponta Delgada that energy transition is “absolutely central to the economic, environmental and social future of the Outermost Regions of the European Union,” emphasising that this challenge is not only for the future but also an urgent priority for the present.

Berta Cabral spoke at the opening session of the seminar “Innovating for Decarbonisation: the Electricity System and Energy Communities in the Azores,” an initiative organised by the Regional Directorate for Energy as part of NESOI+ (New Energy Solutions Optimised for Island Outermost Regions). This is a European project funded by the LIFE Programme (2025–2028) to create a "one-stop shop" to support Energy Communities in the island territories of EU Outermost Regions.

The government official emphasised that the current international geopolitical instability, marked by conflicts and volatility in the energy sector, makes it imperative to increasingly invest in renewable energy as a viable and sustainable alternative.

According to the government official, the European Union’s actions in this area — although sometimes misunderstood — demonstrate essential leadership in promoting the structural economic transformation, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and external suppliers.

The Azores are following this path, she said, benefiting from their location, their local resources and a strategic vision geared towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.

The Regional Secretary highlighted that the Region’s commitment to sustainability “is not merely rhetorical": it is reflected in public policies, structural investments and recognised international initiatives, such as the pioneering creation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network; and the certification of the Azores as a Gold-Level Sustainable Destination, an unprecedented achievement on a global scale for archipelago regions.

The Azores’ participation in the NESOI+ project is part of this strategic vision.

For the government official, NESOI+ represents much more than a European project. It is a genuine tool for energy self-sufficiency, innovation and the active involvement of local communities in energy production and management.

Berta Cabral also pointed out that the Azores have historically been pioneers in the sector, particularly in geothermal energy, where the Region has been at the forefront; hydropower; the sustained expansion of wind and solar energy; landmark projects, such as the hybrid system on Graciosa; and recent programmes such as SOLENERGE, which place citizens and businesses at the heart of energy transition.

The government official also highlighted the importance of the recent approval of the new configuration of the Azores Electricity System, which adapts the national and European framework to the archipelago’s unique situation, comprising nine isolated electricity systems.

Among the advantages of the new model, she highlighted greater security of supply, tariff stability, regulatory predictability, a responsible approach to innovation and independent production, and the creation of conditions for the development of Renewable Energy Communities, whilst always ensuring territorial cohesion and consumer protection.

The Regional Secretary also highlighted the transformative potential of energy communities, which promote decentralised energy production, greater energy literacy, self-consumption and the creation of local value.

In an island region such as the Azores, these solutions can have a particularly significant impact, provided they have solid technical and regulatory foundations.

The government official emphasised that this seminar is an opportunity for reflection, knowledge-sharing and the collective development of solutions, defending that energy transition must be technically sound, socially fair and a political priority. She also confirmed that the Government of the Azores remains committed to leading this process with responsibility, ambition and a long-term vision, ensuring that energy innovation contributes to environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness and the quality of life of the Azorean population.