Legislative Developments in the Energy Sector | Council of Ministers Meeting of 19 March 2026

In light of the most pressing challenges currently faced by Portugal and Europe in the energy sector, the Council of Ministers, at its meeting held on 19 March, approved three legislative acts - still pending official publication - expected to have a highly significant impact on the sector, namely:

1. A legislative act consolidating the transposition of three European directives aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable energy and strengthening consumer protection. In this context, Renewable Energy Acceleration Zones (ZAER) are established;
    
2. A legislative act establishing a cost-sharing mechanism, supported by the National Gas System, for the connection of biomethane and other renewable gas production facilities to the Public Gas Network; 
    
3. A legislative act aimed at streamlining capacity management in the electricity grid, through the introduction of a temporary regime - effective until 30 June 2027 - allowing for the splitting, aggregation, transfer, partial waiver and technological modification of already allocated Titles of Reserve of Capacity (TRC).

On the same date, the Portuguese National Data Centres Plan was also approved, providing for the simplification of licensing procedures for such infrastructures, with the objective of attracting investment and positioning Portugal as a European hub in this area.

All of these legislative acts are expected to have a highly significant impact on the energy sector and, once implemented, may introduce meaningful and differentiating changes to the national energy market, contributing to the attraction of new, strategic investment.

For further information, please consult the Communications of the Council of Ministers of 19 March 2026, available at portugal.gov.pt (regarding the three legislative acts) and portugal.gov.pt (regarding the National Data Centres Plan).