“Although the current plan demonstrates an important degree of ambition, it still falls short of what is necessary for Portugal to be aligned with the Paris Agreement goals,” states the association in a press release.
Zero’s position is disclosed after the public consultation period for the new proposal to revise the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC 2030) concluded on Thursday.
The document revises some targets, for example, bringing forward carbon neutrality from 2050 to 2045, while the national target for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions between 2005 and 2030 has been set to 55% (previously set at a range between 45% and 55%), and the target for renewable energy has increased from 47% to 51% by 2030.
Alternatively, Zero advocates for even more ambitious targets, with a 60% reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040 instead of 2045.
“One of the most critical aspects is the feasibility of meeting the targets given the proposed policies and measures, which generally lack sufficient details to ensure their credibility and do not clarify adequately how they will contribute to achieving the established objectives,” they add.
Specifically, they mention vague language without measurable indicators, excessively long execution deadlines for some measures, lack of information regarding the impact of some measures, and the amount of funding needed for their implementation.
“A successful plan should prioritize concrete actions, transparent processes, sustainable solutions, and a fair and equitable transition for all,” states the press release.
In its position, the association also warns that the ambition reflected in other aspects of the plan cannot compromise sustainability.
As an example, they mention that regarding the increase in installed renewable power, “the path to installing so many renewable sources without overcoming conflicts” with natural and cultural values is not clear.
Advocating for greater ambition in renewable energy storage and investment in electricity transmission and distribution networks, Zero states that the targets set for decentralized solar energy production fall “far short of what is possible and necessary.”
The Government’s proposal also fails regarding fossil fuels, adds the association, which advocates for ending tax incentives, particularly for fossil gas, by 2027.
Regarding the H2MED cross-border green hydrogen project, Zero warns of uncertainty about producing sufficient quantities, the risk of perpetuating the fossil gas market, and insufficient transport. They emphasize the need for clarification on some aspects related to biomass and biofuel use.
The environmentalists also believe that the plan should give greater prominence to energy efficiency and poverty, and advocate for concrete measures such as banning the sale of water heaters and boilers using fossil fuels by 2025, as well as supporting the purchase of heat pumps and other more efficient solutions.
As for the most concerning sectors, they point to transportation, which they say has been consistently increasing its emissions, representing about 30% of national emissions, and highlight a “worrying trend” in emissions from the agriculture and waste sectors.
“It must be ensured that the entire energy transition process contemplated in the plan is fair and inclusive, taking into consideration the sectors of the population most vulnerable to this transition,” they conclude.
