Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral recebeu em audiência Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos
Berta Cabral recebeu em audiência Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights University of the Azores' “strategic” role in future of the Region
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights University of the Azores' “strategic” role in future of the Region
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Government wants to implement foster care system
Regional Government wants to implement foster care system
Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2025 Berta Cabral recebeu em audiência Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, em representação do Presidente do Governo dos Açores, recebeu na sexta-feira, em audiência, o recém-empossado Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, José Manuel Sousa, acompanhado por representantes da Secção Regional dos Açores. Durante o encontro, foram abordados temas estruturantes e atuais para a Região Autónoma dos Açores, nomeadamente os desafios à execução do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), as dificuldades de acesso a mão-de-obra qualificada no setor da engenharia e as necessidades de reforço da formação e da oferta educativa nos primeiros e segundos ciclos do Ensino Superior. A governante expressou o seu apreço pela visita institucional, tendo congratulado o novo Bastonário pela eleição e desejado votos de um trabalho profícuo e construtivo ao serviço da engenharia técnica em Portugal. Berta Cabral reiterou, ainda, “a total disponibilidade do Governo dos Açores para colaborar com a Ordem em matérias de interesse comum e em iniciativas que valorizem o conhecimento, a qualificação e o desenvolvimento económico da Região”. A Secretária Regional aproveitou a ocasião para desafiar as Ordens profissionais “a contribuírem ativamente para a redução da burocracia nos processos de licenciamento e aprovação técnica”, salientando que “a agilização de procedimentos é essencial para acelerar o investimento público, garantir maior eficiência na execução dos fundos comunitários e reforçar a competitividade do território”. A audiência decorreu num ambiente de cordialidade e cooperação institucional, tendo sido sublinhada a importância de se reforçarem os canais de diálogo e de trabalho conjunto entre o Governo Regional e as Ordens profissionais, em prol do progresso da Região e do país. Na audiência, para além do novo Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, José Manuel Sousa, participaram também o Secretário-Geral da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, Luís Santos, a Presidente do Conselho Diretivo da Secção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, Sara Pavão, e o Vice-Presidente do Conselho Diretivo da Secção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, Carlos Santos.
June 23, 2025 Berta Cabral recebeu em audiência Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, em representação do Presidente do Governo dos Açores, recebeu na sexta-feira, em audiência, o recém-empossado Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, José Manuel Sousa, acompanhado por representantes da Secção Regional dos Açores. Durante o encontro, foram abordados temas estruturantes e atuais para a Região Autónoma dos Açores, nomeadamente os desafios à execução do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), as dificuldades de acesso a mão-de-obra qualificada no setor da engenharia e as necessidades de reforço da formação e da oferta educativa nos primeiros e segundos ciclos do Ensino Superior. A governante expressou o seu apreço pela visita institucional, tendo congratulado o novo Bastonário pela eleição e desejado votos de um trabalho profícuo e construtivo ao serviço da engenharia técnica em Portugal. Berta Cabral reiterou, ainda, “a total disponibilidade do Governo dos Açores para colaborar com a Ordem em matérias de interesse comum e em iniciativas que valorizem o conhecimento, a qualificação e o desenvolvimento económico da Região”. A Secretária Regional aproveitou a ocasião para desafiar as Ordens profissionais “a contribuírem ativamente para a redução da burocracia nos processos de licenciamento e aprovação técnica”, salientando que “a agilização de procedimentos é essencial para acelerar o investimento público, garantir maior eficiência na execução dos fundos comunitários e reforçar a competitividade do território”. A audiência decorreu num ambiente de cordialidade e cooperação institucional, tendo sido sublinhada a importância de se reforçarem os canais de diálogo e de trabalho conjunto entre o Governo Regional e as Ordens profissionais, em prol do progresso da Região e do país. Na audiência, para além do novo Bastonário da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, José Manuel Sousa, participaram também o Secretário-Geral da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, Luís Santos, a Presidente do Conselho Diretivo da Secção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, Sara Pavão, e o Vice-Presidente do Conselho Diretivo da Secção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos, Carlos Santos.
Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2025 Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) celebrated its 45th anniversary at a ceremony held last Saturday at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. It was chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, and attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection in the Azores. During the ceremony, Alonso Miguel stated that "Civil Protection represents a pact between political power and society, between those who govern and those who protect, and between those who serve and those who trust." He added that "the Regional Civil Protection System must be a factor of social cohesion, playing a crucial role in the safety and well-being of the Azorean population." "In an island territory such as the Azores, marked by geographical dispersion and vulnerability to extreme natural phenomena, often aggravated by climate change, Civil Protection asserts itself as a relevant, differentiated and capable structure to act effectively and in an integrated manner in the face of the Region's unique demands," he said. The government official stated that “the Regional Government has taken a clear stance that protecting is governing. It has placed civil protection at the core of strategic decisions, promoting increased investment in infrastructures and equipment, valuing human resources, and creating legal and financial instruments to guarantee stability, predictability, and fairness in the sector.” “Over the last four years, more than 46 million Euros have been invested in civil protection and firefighting in the Azores. In 2025, we will have the largest investment plan ever, with a budget of around 14 million Euros,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel highlighted some of the main advances and achievements of recent years, such as "the creation of a new financing model for the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores in early 2025. It has rectified historical imbalances by providing half a million Euros annually to ensure financial stability and predictability for these institutions." The Regional Secretary also highlighted "the strong commitment to renewing and modernising the rescue fleet, something that had not happened since 2010. This has been achieved through the acquisition of nine heavy fire truck tankers and a multi-victim tow truck, with the launch of a tender for the purchase of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles and a new tender for the acquisition of another five specialised fire vehicles,” corresponding to an overall investment of more than 6.2 million Euros. The new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters was also highlighted, which "maintains the previously established benefits in the areas of education, health and housing support." It introduces relevant changes, "namely the support for length-of-service bonuses for retirement purposes to fully exempt firefighters from paying for this benefit," and volunteering incentives, "with the allocation of annual financial support to firefighters who carry out the operational work established on a voluntary basis." The government official also highlighted "the enormous effort, in conjunction with the Associations and the Azores Fire Federation, to dignify, protect and recognise the work of firefighters, starting with the updating of salary scales, as seen at the end of 2024. There were increases of more than 100 Euros per month at the bottom of the career ladder and 220 Euros at the top, but there was also a stronger focus on training and significant investment in personal protective equipment, which has exceeded 600 thousand Euros over the last four years." Alonso Miguel also pointed out the redefinition of the pre-hospital emergency medical policy, which is now "closer, stronger and more professional, with more equipment, more specialised training and more resources for transporting victims." He revealed that "the planned investment in this area for 2025 is set at 7.9 million Euros, corresponding to an increase of 61% compared to 2020." Among the main investments in pre-hospital emergency medical care, the government official highlighted "the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet, with the acquisition of another nine ambulances, an investment of about one million Euros; the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System, with the delivery of two new Immediate Life Support vehicles and three telemetry devices in October 2024, representing an investment of over 160 thousand Euros; and the reinforcement of Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency crews, with four additional crews since May 2025, corresponding to an additional investment of around 460 thousand Euros per year." According to Alonso Miguel, “these decisions, measures and investments are not improvised. They are the result of an integrated vision, where civil protection is not just a reaction but also planning, public policy and a statement of the Region's ability to take care of itself.” "Civil protection is not just an emergency response system. It contributes directly to the well-being and economic development of communities, promotes a sense of safety and fosters mutual trust between the population and the authorities," he stressed. The Regional Secretary stated that “in an archipelago where geography poses constant challenges, investing in civil protection is investing in regional sovereignty. It is about ensuring that, in the face of adversity, we have the means, skills and leadership. It is about asserting that autonomy is not measured solely in statutes but in the ability to protect every Azorean on every island and in all circumstances.” The government official concluded by stating that "the organisational model, the capacity for inter-institutional coordination, its integration into the territory and the level of technical training make the SRPCBA a national and international benchmark today." Alonso Miguel also acknowledged "the important role played by the former Presidents of the SRPCBA," who were honoured at the ceremony, "in building the Region's civil protection system." He also highlighted "the exemplary leadership of the current President, Major Rui Andrade, who has been instrumental in many of the achievements made in recent years." He also expressed his "appreciation and gratitude to the professionals at SRPCBA for their dedication and competence, as well as for the extraordinary work they do every day and the fundamental contribution they make to the recognised excellence of the Service, which is a source of pride for everyone."
June 23, 2025 Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) celebrated its 45th anniversary at a ceremony held last Saturday at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. It was chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, and attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection in the Azores. During the ceremony, Alonso Miguel stated that "Civil Protection represents a pact between political power and society, between those who govern and those who protect, and between those who serve and those who trust." He added that "the Regional Civil Protection System must be a factor of social cohesion, playing a crucial role in the safety and well-being of the Azorean population." "In an island territory such as the Azores, marked by geographical dispersion and vulnerability to extreme natural phenomena, often aggravated by climate change, Civil Protection asserts itself as a relevant, differentiated and capable structure to act effectively and in an integrated manner in the face of the Region's unique demands," he said. The government official stated that “the Regional Government has taken a clear stance that protecting is governing. It has placed civil protection at the core of strategic decisions, promoting increased investment in infrastructures and equipment, valuing human resources, and creating legal and financial instruments to guarantee stability, predictability, and fairness in the sector.” “Over the last four years, more than 46 million Euros have been invested in civil protection and firefighting in the Azores. In 2025, we will have the largest investment plan ever, with a budget of around 14 million Euros,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel highlighted some of the main advances and achievements of recent years, such as "the creation of a new financing model for the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores in early 2025. It has rectified historical imbalances by providing half a million Euros annually to ensure financial stability and predictability for these institutions." The Regional Secretary also highlighted "the strong commitment to renewing and modernising the rescue fleet, something that had not happened since 2010. This has been achieved through the acquisition of nine heavy fire truck tankers and a multi-victim tow truck, with the launch of a tender for the purchase of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles and a new tender for the acquisition of another five specialised fire vehicles,” corresponding to an overall investment of more than 6.2 million Euros. The new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters was also highlighted, which "maintains the previously established benefits in the areas of education, health and housing support." It introduces relevant changes, "namely the support for length-of-service bonuses for retirement purposes to fully exempt firefighters from paying for this benefit," and volunteering incentives, "with the allocation of annual financial support to firefighters who carry out the operational work established on a voluntary basis." The government official also highlighted "the enormous effort, in conjunction with the Associations and the Azores Fire Federation, to dignify, protect and recognise the work of firefighters, starting with the updating of salary scales, as seen at the end of 2024. There were increases of more than 100 Euros per month at the bottom of the career ladder and 220 Euros at the top, but there was also a stronger focus on training and significant investment in personal protective equipment, which has exceeded 600 thousand Euros over the last four years." Alonso Miguel also pointed out the redefinition of the pre-hospital emergency medical policy, which is now "closer, stronger and more professional, with more equipment, more specialised training and more resources for transporting victims." He revealed that "the planned investment in this area for 2025 is set at 7.9 million Euros, corresponding to an increase of 61% compared to 2020." Among the main investments in pre-hospital emergency medical care, the government official highlighted "the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet, with the acquisition of another nine ambulances, an investment of about one million Euros; the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System, with the delivery of two new Immediate Life Support vehicles and three telemetry devices in October 2024, representing an investment of over 160 thousand Euros; and the reinforcement of Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency crews, with four additional crews since May 2025, corresponding to an additional investment of around 460 thousand Euros per year." According to Alonso Miguel, “these decisions, measures and investments are not improvised. They are the result of an integrated vision, where civil protection is not just a reaction but also planning, public policy and a statement of the Region's ability to take care of itself.” "Civil protection is not just an emergency response system. It contributes directly to the well-being and economic development of communities, promotes a sense of safety and fosters mutual trust between the population and the authorities," he stressed. The Regional Secretary stated that “in an archipelago where geography poses constant challenges, investing in civil protection is investing in regional sovereignty. It is about ensuring that, in the face of adversity, we have the means, skills and leadership. It is about asserting that autonomy is not measured solely in statutes but in the ability to protect every Azorean on every island and in all circumstances.” The government official concluded by stating that "the organisational model, the capacity for inter-institutional coordination, its integration into the territory and the level of technical training make the SRPCBA a national and international benchmark today." Alonso Miguel also acknowledged "the important role played by the former Presidents of the SRPCBA," who were honoured at the ceremony, "in building the Region's civil protection system." He also highlighted "the exemplary leadership of the current President, Major Rui Andrade, who has been instrumental in many of the achievements made in recent years." He also expressed his "appreciation and gratitude to the professionals at SRPCBA for their dedication and competence, as well as for the extraordinary work they do every day and the fundamental contribution they make to the recognised excellence of the Service, which is a source of pride for everyone."
Nota de Imprensa
June 20, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights University of the Azores' “strategic” role in future of the Region The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the presentation of the Study on the Impact of the University of the Azores on the Ecosystem of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, an event held at the Aula Magna of the University. The session featured a round table moderated by journalist Marta Silva. It brought together prominent figures, including the Rector of the University, Susana Mira Leal, retired Judge Counsellor José Manuel Monteiro da Silva, the administrative director of Bensaude Group, Marco Lopes, and Paulo Madruga, from the consultancy Ernst & Young. The study acknowledges the University of the Azores for its fundamental role as a hub for knowledge production and human capital qualification in the Region. With 50 years of history, the University of the Azores is distinguished as an institution of excellence in addressing matters concerning island territories, maritime affairs and transatlantic relations. It stands as a pillar of social, cultural and economic development in the Azores. Between 2014 and 2024, 5,174 students graduated from the University of the Azores. Most of them remain in the Region and work in priority sectors for the Azores Smart Specialisation Strategy. The employability rate among graduates is high, with only 3% taking more than six months to enter the labour market. The University currently has 2,931 students and 496 employees, including 264 teaching faculty. The ability to attract students from outside the archipelago has also increased, with more than 20% of students coming from Mainland Portugal, Madeira or foreign countries. This is the result of a strategic commitment to internationalisation and scientific differentiation in areas such as marine sciences, health, heritage, agriculture and the environment. The head of the Azorean Government noted that the Government of the Azores has been consistently stepping up its support for the University. Unlike in previous years, when regional funding ranged between 250 thousand and 500 thousand Euros, the amounts allocated have been steadily increasing since 2021. In 2021, the amount totalled 550 thousand Euros, followed by 650 thousand Euros in 2022, 660 thousand Euros in 2023, and exceeded one million Euros in 2024. For 2025, funding amounting to 1.8 million Euros is already planned. According to the President of the Government, this investment is "a demonstration of true commitment to the development of the University of the Azores." He emphasised: "This support is not just a matter of words and good intentions, it is a tangible, planned and consistent action." The President of the Government reiterated the importance of the University as a partner of the regional administration and civil society. "The University of the Azores should preferably be sought out as a source of knowledge and scientific basis for public and private decisions," he defended, calling on the business community and local authorities to follow this guideline as well. However, José Manuel Bolieiro made it clear that, despite increased regional support, the institution's structural funding must continue to be provided by the State: "The Government of the Azores cannot take on responsibilities that fall under the National Government, especially in the context of the law on public higher education funding." The President of the Government ended on an optimistic note about the future: "We have the perfect conditions for the Azores to be a real lab for science, innovation, and research." Based on the study data, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in a smart specialisation strategy that values the ecosystem of the archipelago and promotes the University of the Azores nationally and internationally.
June 20, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights University of the Azores' “strategic” role in future of the Region The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the presentation of the Study on the Impact of the University of the Azores on the Ecosystem of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, an event held at the Aula Magna of the University. The session featured a round table moderated by journalist Marta Silva. It brought together prominent figures, including the Rector of the University, Susana Mira Leal, retired Judge Counsellor José Manuel Monteiro da Silva, the administrative director of Bensaude Group, Marco Lopes, and Paulo Madruga, from the consultancy Ernst & Young. The study acknowledges the University of the Azores for its fundamental role as a hub for knowledge production and human capital qualification in the Region. With 50 years of history, the University of the Azores is distinguished as an institution of excellence in addressing matters concerning island territories, maritime affairs and transatlantic relations. It stands as a pillar of social, cultural and economic development in the Azores. Between 2014 and 2024, 5,174 students graduated from the University of the Azores. Most of them remain in the Region and work in priority sectors for the Azores Smart Specialisation Strategy. The employability rate among graduates is high, with only 3% taking more than six months to enter the labour market. The University currently has 2,931 students and 496 employees, including 264 teaching faculty. The ability to attract students from outside the archipelago has also increased, with more than 20% of students coming from Mainland Portugal, Madeira or foreign countries. This is the result of a strategic commitment to internationalisation and scientific differentiation in areas such as marine sciences, health, heritage, agriculture and the environment. The head of the Azorean Government noted that the Government of the Azores has been consistently stepping up its support for the University. Unlike in previous years, when regional funding ranged between 250 thousand and 500 thousand Euros, the amounts allocated have been steadily increasing since 2021. In 2021, the amount totalled 550 thousand Euros, followed by 650 thousand Euros in 2022, 660 thousand Euros in 2023, and exceeded one million Euros in 2024. For 2025, funding amounting to 1.8 million Euros is already planned. According to the President of the Government, this investment is "a demonstration of true commitment to the development of the University of the Azores." He emphasised: "This support is not just a matter of words and good intentions, it is a tangible, planned and consistent action." The President of the Government reiterated the importance of the University as a partner of the regional administration and civil society. "The University of the Azores should preferably be sought out as a source of knowledge and scientific basis for public and private decisions," he defended, calling on the business community and local authorities to follow this guideline as well. However, José Manuel Bolieiro made it clear that, despite increased regional support, the institution's structural funding must continue to be provided by the State: "The Government of the Azores cannot take on responsibilities that fall under the National Government, especially in the context of the law on public higher education funding." The President of the Government ended on an optimistic note about the future: "We have the perfect conditions for the Azores to be a real lab for science, innovation, and research." Based on the study data, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in a smart specialisation strategy that values the ecosystem of the archipelago and promotes the University of the Azores nationally and internationally.
Nota de Imprensa
June 20, 2025 Regional Government wants to implement foster care system The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today at a parliamentary hearing that the Regional Government wants to implement the foster care system in the Region. "This measure has already been implemented in Mainland Portugal and Madeira. We would like to see it applied to children in the Autonomous Region of the Azores as well, for they all have the right to grow up in a family," stressed the government official. "This measure tends to be temporary and transitional. It is aimed at providing children with a safe, structured and loving family environment that promotes their physical and emotional well-being when this is not possible with their birth family," added Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also stated that this measure should take precedence over residential care for children up to six years of age. The placement of a child/young person in a duly qualified foster family always depends on the decision by the court or the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth. It is the responsibility of the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA) to identify the family that best suits their needs. The draft Decree presented today adapts the implementation of the measure to the Autonomous Region of the Azores as a means of promoting the rights and protection of children and young people. In the Region, ISSA will be the entity responsible for assessing and selecting foster care applications. Mónica Seidi also explained that awareness, information and dissemination campaigns will be developed to attract applicants.
June 20, 2025 Regional Government wants to implement foster care system The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today at a parliamentary hearing that the Regional Government wants to implement the foster care system in the Region. "This measure has already been implemented in Mainland Portugal and Madeira. We would like to see it applied to children in the Autonomous Region of the Azores as well, for they all have the right to grow up in a family," stressed the government official. "This measure tends to be temporary and transitional. It is aimed at providing children with a safe, structured and loving family environment that promotes their physical and emotional well-being when this is not possible with their birth family," added Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also stated that this measure should take precedence over residential care for children up to six years of age. The placement of a child/young person in a duly qualified foster family always depends on the decision by the court or the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth. It is the responsibility of the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA) to identify the family that best suits their needs. The draft Decree presented today adapts the implementation of the measure to the Autonomous Region of the Azores as a means of promoting the rights and protection of children and young people. In the Region, ISSA will be the entity responsible for assessing and selecting foster care applications. Mónica Seidi also explained that awareness, information and dissemination campaigns will be developed to attract applicants.
Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2025 Regional Government presents new model for regional electricity system at conference at University of the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, participated on Tuesday in the conference "Challenges of the Electricity Sector in the Economy of the Azores," held at Amphitheatre VII of the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada. At the opening session, the government official highlighted the importance of the event, pointing out that "discussing the challenges facing the electricity sector in the Azores is about discussing the resilience of communities, the competitiveness of the economy and the quality of life of our citizens." "It is, basically, about planning our future," she continued. The Regional Secretary praised the coordination between the University, companies and the Public Administration. She defended that "the synergy between scientific knowledge and practice is the best mechanism for responding to the demands of a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable electricity sector." During the session, the new organisational model for the Azores Electricity System (SEA) was also presented, with the legislative proposal soon to be considered by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. "This is a structural law that adapts the national and European framework to the regional reality, respecting the derogation provided for in the European Directive on the internal market for electricity," she explained. The government official added that the new model "maintains the integrated structure of production, transport, distribution and marketing activities, provided by EDA as a public service, but introduces important innovations." Among these innovations, the Regional Secretary highlighted the introduction of auctions for independent electricity production, the promotion of more predictable sources, such as geothermal energy, and the creation of technological free zones. The government official also pointed out that the new framework had been "extensively discussed with industry stakeholders. It incorporates relevant technical and legal contributions, providing a balanced solution adapted to the reality of the Region and aligned with European obligations." During her speech, the Regional Secretary also acknowledged the role of EDA – Empresa de Eletricidade dos Açores, praising the company for “successfully balancing system management with structural investments in renewable energy sources and storage solutions, ensuring stability and reliability of supply.” The Best MBA Student Award in Business Management from the University of the Azores was also delivered at this session. The conference was organised by the University of the Azores and EDA. It brought together experts, academics, policy-makers and representatives from the regional energy sector.
June 18, 2025 Regional Government presents new model for regional electricity system at conference at University of the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, participated on Tuesday in the conference "Challenges of the Electricity Sector in the Economy of the Azores," held at Amphitheatre VII of the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada. At the opening session, the government official highlighted the importance of the event, pointing out that "discussing the challenges facing the electricity sector in the Azores is about discussing the resilience of communities, the competitiveness of the economy and the quality of life of our citizens." "It is, basically, about planning our future," she continued. The Regional Secretary praised the coordination between the University, companies and the Public Administration. She defended that "the synergy between scientific knowledge and practice is the best mechanism for responding to the demands of a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable electricity sector." During the session, the new organisational model for the Azores Electricity System (SEA) was also presented, with the legislative proposal soon to be considered by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. "This is a structural law that adapts the national and European framework to the regional reality, respecting the derogation provided for in the European Directive on the internal market for electricity," she explained. The government official added that the new model "maintains the integrated structure of production, transport, distribution and marketing activities, provided by EDA as a public service, but introduces important innovations." Among these innovations, the Regional Secretary highlighted the introduction of auctions for independent electricity production, the promotion of more predictable sources, such as geothermal energy, and the creation of technological free zones. The government official also pointed out that the new framework had been "extensively discussed with industry stakeholders. It incorporates relevant technical and legal contributions, providing a balanced solution adapted to the reality of the Region and aligned with European obligations." During her speech, the Regional Secretary also acknowledged the role of EDA – Empresa de Eletricidade dos Açores, praising the company for “successfully balancing system management with structural investments in renewable energy sources and storage solutions, ensuring stability and reliability of supply.” The Best MBA Student Award in Business Management from the University of the Azores was also delivered at this session. The conference was organised by the University of the Azores and EDA. It brought together experts, academics, policy-makers and representatives from the regional energy sector.
