The Minister for the Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, has announced the creation of a network of 50 Espaços Energia (Energy Spaces) as part of a pivotal initiative to promote energy efficiency and combat energy poverty in Portugal.

This initiative is a key component of the RP-C21-r44 reform within the country’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and aligns with the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (PNEC 2030) and the Long-Term Strategy for Building Renovation 2050 (ELPRE).

According to the Ministry, the Energy Spaces will be physical service points designed to provide technical support to citizens. These spaces will offer information and advice on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and funding programs for energy improvements.

"The interests of people must always be at the center of policies, especially when dealing with such comprehensive reforms as the energy transition," Minister Carvalho emphasized during the announcement event held at the Ministry of Environment and Energy in Lisbon.

The project, funded with €3 million from the Environmental Fund, will be implemented by local entities, including municipal chambers, parish councils, and intermunicipal communities, with technical support and monitoring from ADENE – the Portuguese Energy Agency.

Applications for the implementation of  Energy Spaces will open in January, with projects that have significant social and environmental impacts being eligible. Each energy space can receive up to €50,000 in funding, with a cap of €300,000 per beneficiary.

"The key is for the  Energy Spaces to fulfill their mission: to become one-stop counters for citizens on energy efficiency, enabling them to make choices that align with the fight against climate change, while also improving their quality of life and economic conditions," stated Minister Carvalho.

The  Energy Spaces will play an essential role in collecting data for the National Energy Poverty Observatory, contributing to the formulation of more effective public policies. The initiative also includes spreading information about future energy transition programs, such as E_Lar and More Sustainable Neighborhoods.

Through this initiative, the Government reaffirms its commitment to promoting energy efficiency and sustainable development, with a clear focus on citizens' well-being and the decarbonization of the economy.