Email:
Phone:
Fax:
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Azores strengthen leadership in energy transition with launch of European NESOI+ project, says Berta Cabral
Azores strengthen leadership in energy transition with launch of European NESOI+ project, says Berta Cabral
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government extends service life of taxis in the Region
Regional Government extends service life of taxis in the Region
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral advocates road safety as cross-cutting priority in public mobility policies
Berta Cabral advocates road safety as cross-cutting priority in public mobility policies
March 13, 2026
Azores strengthen leadership in energy transition with launch of European NESOI+ project, says Berta Cabral
March 12, 2026
Regional Government extends service life of taxis in the Region
March 10, 2026
Berta Cabral advocates road safety as cross-cutting priority in public mobility policies
News
Nota de Imprensa
March 13, 2026
Azores strengthen leadership in energy transition with launch of European NESOI+ project, says Berta Cabral
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.
March 13, 2026
Azores strengthen leadership in energy transition with launch of European NESOI+ project, says Berta Cabral
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.
Nota de Imprensa
March 12, 2026
Regional Government extends service life of taxis in the Region
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has decided to extend the service life of vehicles used for taxi services in the Region from 10 years to 15 years, with the possibility of a further extended period of five years. The measure, which will require an amendment to the current regulation, was agreed during a meeting this week between the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, and representatives of the taxi associations from the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial. The meeting was also attended by the Regional Directorate for Mobility and the Regional Assistant Directorate for Land Transport, the body responsible for supervising and providing technical support to the sector. The extension now approved applies exclusively to vehicles duly marked with the standard insignia and colour scheme. For vehicles to benefit from this extension, they must undergo mandatory annual inspections conducted by inspectors from the Regional Sub-directorate for Land Transport, who will assess whether each vehicle meets the technical, safety and comfort requirements necessary to provide this public service. With this regulatory amendment, the Regional Government is responding to a long-standing demand from professionals in the sector, granting greater flexibility for operators, reducing the financial burden associated with fleet renewal, and promoting more efficient management of taxi drivers’ investments. In this regard, special care has been taken for taxi drivers operating in rural areas, recognising the specific characteristics, challenges and the particular conditions under which they provide their service daily. The decision is also part of the Regional Government’s strategy to improve the economic sustainability of passenger transport, whilst ensuring high standards of quality and safety for users. The new Ordinance is due to be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day following its publication.
March 12, 2026
Regional Government extends service life of taxis in the Region
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has decided to extend the service life of vehicles used for taxi services in the Region from 10 years to 15 years, with the possibility of a further extended period of five years. The measure, which will require an amendment to the current regulation, was agreed during a meeting this week between the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, and representatives of the taxi associations from the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial. The meeting was also attended by the Regional Directorate for Mobility and the Regional Assistant Directorate for Land Transport, the body responsible for supervising and providing technical support to the sector. The extension now approved applies exclusively to vehicles duly marked with the standard insignia and colour scheme. For vehicles to benefit from this extension, they must undergo mandatory annual inspections conducted by inspectors from the Regional Sub-directorate for Land Transport, who will assess whether each vehicle meets the technical, safety and comfort requirements necessary to provide this public service. With this regulatory amendment, the Regional Government is responding to a long-standing demand from professionals in the sector, granting greater flexibility for operators, reducing the financial burden associated with fleet renewal, and promoting more efficient management of taxi drivers’ investments. In this regard, special care has been taken for taxi drivers operating in rural areas, recognising the specific characteristics, challenges and the particular conditions under which they provide their service daily. The decision is also part of the Regional Government’s strategy to improve the economic sustainability of passenger transport, whilst ensuring high standards of quality and safety for users. The new Ordinance is due to be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day following its publication.