Requirements for the Environmental Licensing of Green Hydrogen in Portugal
Licensing green hydrogen projects in Portugal requires an environmental impact assessment (AIA), atmospheric emissions authorization under DL 127/2013, compliance with the Seveso III Directive given hydrogen's flammability, and water management under Law No. 58/2005.
Environmental licensing of green hydrogen in Portugal follows EU standards for the energy transition and involves several requirements: the Environmental Impact Assessment (AIA), mandatory for large electrolysis facilities; atmospheric emissions authorization, under Decree-Law No. 127/2013 (Legal Regime for Industrial Emissions); and licensing of associated renewable energy infrastructure, governed by Law No. 58/2015.
Safety, water and the EU framework
Given hydrogen's highly flammable nature, facilities must meet safety requirements aligned with the Seveso III Directive (2012/18/EU), which regulates the control of risks linked to hazardous substances. Water and waste management from the electrolysis process is regulated by the Water Law (Law No. 58/2005) and the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). At EU level, the sector follows the European Hydrogen Strategy, the Green Deal, and Regulation (EU) 2020/852 on the taxonomy of sustainable activities, with APA and DGEG as the competent authorities in Portugal.