Summary:
€60 million increase to the Energy Efficiency Program for Sustainable Buildings
Total budget reaches €90 million, funding 85% of energy efficiency projects
New funding aims to address previously unmet applications and simplify the process
Government collaborates with four universities for application evaluation
Future initiatives planned to support vulnerable families in energy efficiency investments
Increased Funding for Energy Efficiency
The Portuguese government is set to reinforce financial support for the Energy Efficiency Program for Sustainable Buildings with an additional €60 million, complementing the existing €30 million allocation. This move was announced by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, during a parliamentary hearing regarding the proposed 2025 State Budget.
Key Features of the Program
The current program, which has a total budget of €90 million, funds up to 85% of costs for various energy efficiency measures, including window replacements, photovoltaic panel installations, and natural insulation solutions. However, the fund only began reimbursing beneficiaries in July, several months later than expected due to administrative delays.
Addressing Unmet Applications
The €60 million boost will address applications that were not approved previously and may also allow for a new round of funding under the same program. The Ministry of Environment aims to simplify the application process, ensuring it is less complex than prior rounds.
Collaboration with Universities
Due to resource constraints within the Environmental Fund's management team, which consists of only eight members, the government has engaged four universities (Nova, Coimbra, Minho, and Aveiro) to assist in evaluating applications.
Future Support for Vulnerable Families
Looking ahead, the government plans to enhance support for vulnerable families starting next year through two initiatives: providing vouchers to applicants and allocating funds to public and social sector entities investing in energy efficiency.
New Programs to Combat Energy Poverty
On Friday, the government announced the launch of the E_Lar program, aimed at promoting the purchase of more efficient appliances, alongside a program for Sustainable Urban Areas, each with a budget of around €50 million in 2025. The E_Lar program specifically focuses on improving home comfort for vulnerable households.
Calls for Program Reform
João Galamba, former Secretary of State for Energy and Environment, has advocated for reforming the Energy Efficiency Program, suggesting it lacked impact and reached few individuals. He proposes adopting a model similar to Italy's, which offered support exceeding 100% of energy efficiency expenses, emphasizing the need for effective measures that could significantly transform housing and stimulate economic activity across the country.
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