According to Eurostat estimates, CO2 emissions grew in 2021 in almost all EU Member States, with the largest increase in Bulgaria (+18.0%), followed by Estonia (+13.1%), Slovakia (+11.4%) and Italy (+10.6 %). The only two countries with an estimated decrease in CO2 emissions are Portugal (-5.5%) and Finland (-1.5%).
These results were also confirmed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) report.
The energy policy review is saying that Portugal was one of the first countries in the world to set 2050 carbon neutrality goals. Portugal’s energy and climate policies push for carbon neutrality primarily through broad electrification of energy demand and a rapid expansion of renewable electricity generation, along with increased energy efficiency. There is a strong focus on reducing energy import dependency and maintaining affordable access to energy. These policy goals are supported through clear targets, detailed national strategies and a wide range of regulations, economy-wide programs and sector-specific measures.
Portugal sees a key role for hydrogen produced from renewable energy in hard-to-decarbonize sectors and in achieving carbon neutrality. The National Hydrogen Strategy (EN-H2) sets a goal for hydrogen produced from renewable energy to cover 1.5-2.0% of Portugal’s energy demand by 2030, with use in industry, domestic maritime shipping, road transport and injection into the natural gas network.
Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director is congratulating Portugal for developing a broad policy framework with robust measures to achieve emission reductions. Dr. Birol said: “Portugal has found a good balance of ambitious targets and competitive support measures needed to drive a cost-effective energy transition.”
The reports about Portugal’s pathway to net-zero also confirm the good choice of the conference venue for CarbonZero: Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials Global Conference and Exhibition 2022. The international event will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, at the luxurious Pestana Palace Hotel & National Monument, on November 10 and 11. Tickets for delegates are available here: https://lnkd.in/dX5KkJEZ.
You can read the full report about Portugal’s pathway to net-zero here: https://www.iea.org/reports/portugal-2021.
