The RED III Directive Boosts Renewable Energy in Portugal
Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III), in force since 20 November 2023, raises the EU's renewable energy target to at least 40% of gross final consumption by 2030, with direct impact on permitting simplification and renewable growth in Portugal.
Directive (EU) 2023/2413, amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II) and known as RED III, entered into force on 20 November 2023. It sets a target of at least 40% renewable energy in the EU's gross final energy consumption by 2030 (up from 32% under RED II), with specific targets for heating and cooling, sectoral integration, support for renewable energy communities, simplified permitting procedures, and stricter sustainability criteria for biofuels and biomethane.
Impact in Portugal
The directive encourages continued growth of renewable capacity in Portugal (wind, solar and hydro), promotes electrification and advanced biofuels in transport, facilitates the creation of renewable energy communities, and attracts investment and innovation. Challenges include upgrading grid infrastructure, ensuring regulatory coordination between national and EU policy, and securing public acceptance of large wind and solar installations.