PORTUGAL RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

In Portugal, electricity from renewable sources from existing installations is mainly promoted through a feed-in tariff (FiT). Support to new installations can be provided through specific power granting tenders. A new remuneration regime for Small Production Units (UPP) will come into force in January 2015 and will be based on a bidding model in which producers offer discounts to a reference tariff. There is currently no direct support mechanism for RES-H (as of October 2014). In the transport sector, the main incentives are a biofuel quota system and a tax exemption to small producers (PPDs).

Access of electricity from renewable sources to the grid shall be granted according to the principle of non-discrimination and priority shall be given to electricity produced from RES (except for hydro plants with an installed capacity exceeding 30MW). The obligation to purchase the electricity generated from renewable sources in the period they benefits from the FiT creates favourable conditions for the deployment of RES-E. Grid operators are generally obliged to develop the grid system. However, individual plant operators do not have the right to demand grid expansion.

ELECTRICITY

Support schemes

In Portugal, electricity from renewable sources generated in existing installations is promoted through a feed-in tariff. Support to new installations can be provided through specific power granting tenders. The new remuneration regime for Small Production Units (UPP) will come into force in January 2015 and will be based on a bidding model in which producers offer discounts to a reference tariff.

More about support schemes

Grid issues

Connection to the grid shall be granted according to the principle of non-discrimination and priority shall be given to electricity produced from renewable energy sources. As a rule, plant operators are not entitled to development of the grid. Yet, the grid operator has the general obligation to develop his grid and prepare a Transmission Grid Development and Investment Plan (PDIRT).

More about grid issues

Policies

In Portugal, the government has set a fund to finance research and projects on innovation and technological development in the field of renewable energy, as well as has started campaigns to raise awareness on RES issues. With regards to policies in the building sector, the obligation to use solar thermal collectors for heating water and other regulations on the certification of performance and durability of installations and components are in place. In addition, training programmes for installers of RES plants are already part of the education system.

More about policies

HEATING AND COOLING

Support schemes

 The subsidy provided through the Energy Efficiency Fund (“Efficient Building 2012”) to investments in solar thermal installations for heating water is closed for new applications and no direct support scheme for RES in the heating sector is currently in place (as of October 2014).

More about support schemes

Policies

In Portugal, the government has set a fund to finance research and projects on innovation and technological development in the field of renewable energy, as well as has started campaigns to raise awareness on RES issues.  With regards to policies in the building sector, the obligation to use solar thermal collectors for heating water and other regulations on the certification of performance and durability of installations and components are in place. In addition, training programmes for installers of RES plants are already part of the education system.

More about policies

TRANSPORT – MOBILITY

Support schemes

In Portugal, there are two support schemes for the use of renewable energy sources in the transport sector: a tax exemption to small producers (PPDs) and a biofuel quota to companies supplying fuels for consumption in the market.

More about support schemes

Source and read more on: RES GLOBAL