Decree-Law No. 116/2024 Extends Measures to Boost Renewable Energy Until 2026

Decree-Law No. 116/2024, of 30 December, extends until 31 December 2026 the exceptional administrative simplification measures for renewable energy production, originally established by Decree-Law No. 30-A/2022. The aim is to reduce bureaucratic barriers and support Portugal’s climate targets.

• Exemption from licensing for entry into operation for certain power plants and UPACs.
• AIA only required if DGEG identifies potentially significant environmental impacts.
• Full grid injection allowed for existing wind power plants.
• Mandatory local community engagement for projects of 20 MW or more.
• Simplified prior urban planning control regimes.

The measures reflect Portugal's alignment with the EU's REPowerEU plan, which aims to accelerate the energy transition and reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, ensuring legal certainty for renewable energy projects underway and planned.