Scope Definition Proposal (PDA): Who Must Submit It?
Decree-Law 99/2024 made the Scope Definition Proposal mandatory before the EIA for renewable energy, storage, and associated infrastructure projects.
With the entry into force of Decree-Law 99/2024 of 3 December, the Scope Definition Request (PDA), previously optional, became mandatory for renewable electricity production projects, energy storage, and associated infrastructure (evacuation lines, substations), and must now be submitted before the Environmental Impact Study (EIA).
Who submits it and how it works
The PDA is always submitted by the project proponent itself to the Portuguese Environment Agency or the relevant regional coordination commission (CCDR), following the minimum content set out in Annex III of Ordinance 395/2015. The authority has five business days to appoint the evaluation committee and a maximum of 35 days (or 45 days with public consultation) to issue a binding decision on the scope of the EIA.
- Goal: improve the quality and predictability of the Environmental Impact Assessment
- The PDA opinion is binding regarding the minimum content of the EIA
- Missing a required PDA blocks the environmental licensing process from advancing