How to increase the contribution of renewable electricity to the Iberian energy system?

On 17 January, we spoke with Francisco Ferreira, associate professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Nova de Lisboa and researcher at CENSE – Centre for Research on Environment and Sustainability. The meeting represented the first (im)probable Dialogue of 2024 and addressed different difficulties and challenges that the contribution of more renewable electricity to the Iberian energy system will have.

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How was the session?

Ferreira began by highlighting the similarities between Spain and Portugal in energy production and prices, presenting data revealing the extraordinary year 2023 for Portugal, with 71% of energy production coming from renewable sources.

He also explained that ambitions for 2030 are high, with an emphasis on private investments, increased consumption of renewable energy, and increased solar and wind production. However, he pointed out three problems: the electricity grid is not ready; the deployment of infrastructure faces obstacles from the public; and finally, new trends such as green hydrogen raise many questions.

Francisco Ferreira also emphasised the importance of efficiency in decision-making, including the use and exploration of green hydrogen.

The priority should be electrification, he said, but selecting the right locations for energy production plants is crucial. Currently, the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Nova de Lisboa and civil society are promoting a project to study the feasibility of wind and solar installations, considering constraints and sustainability. The study showed that only 3% of the Portuguese territory is eligible for the installation of solar energy plants and would be sufficient to meet the country’s energy needs.

Ferreira concluded by reflecting on the urgency of reducing carbon emissions, urging a careful approach. Subrayó la importancia de decisiones consensuadas y objetivas entre los países ibéricos, reconociendo el papel del gobierno, la sociedad civil y las empresas privadas en esta transición.

“In order to move forward, it is essential to proceed carefully. We are not looking to create problems for the future; we want to make progress, but it is essential to take all factors into account to ensure a successful transition without the need for corrections in the coming years. Setting boundaries that are widely agreed and objective becomes a crucial element in this process,” said Francisco Ferreira.

On 17 January, we spoke with Francisco Ferreira, associate professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Nova de Lisboa and researcher at CENSE – Centre for Research on Environment and Sustainability. The meeting represented the first (im)probable Dialogue of 2024 and addressed different difficulties and challenges that the contribution of more renewable electricity to the Iberian energy system will have.

How was the session?

Ferreira began by highlighting the similarities between Spain and Portugal in energy production and prices, presenting data revealing the extraordinary year 2023 for Portugal, with 71% of energy production coming from renewable sources.

He also explained that ambitions for 2030 are high, with an emphasis on private investments, increased consumption of renewable energy, and increased solar and wind production. However, he pointed out three problems: the electricity grid is not ready; the deployment of infrastructure faces obstacles from the public; and finally, new trends such as green hydrogen raise many questions.

Francisco Ferreira also emphasised the importance of efficiency in decision-making, including the use and exploration of green hydrogen.

The priority should be electrification, he said, but selecting the right locations for energy production plants is crucial. Currently, the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Nova de Lisboa and civil society are promoting a project to study the feasibility of wind and solar installations, considering constraints and sustainability. The study showed that only 3% of the Portuguese territory is eligible for the installation of solar energy plants and would be sufficient to meet the country’s energy needs.

Ferreira concluded by reflecting on the urgency of reducing carbon emissions, urging a careful approach. Subrayó la importancia de decisiones consensuadas y objetivas entre los países ibéricos, reconociendo el papel del gobierno, la sociedad civil y las empresas privadas en esta transición.

“In order to move forward, it is essential to proceed carefully. We are not looking to create problems for the future; we want to make progress, but it is essential to take all factors into account to ensure a successful transition without the need for corrections in the coming years. Setting boundaries that are widely agreed and objective becomes a crucial element in this process,” said Francisco Ferreira.