Coimbra researchers find municipal red tape slowing Portugal's local renewable energy projects

A University of Coimbra team working on the European PERSIST project says municipal bureaucracy is holding back renewable energy projects in Portugal, despite national targets such as the 2030 energy and climate plan. Two decrees from 2022 exempt installations of up to 1 MW from prior planning control, yet many councils still impose discouraging fees, extra formalities and blanket bans in local master plans. The researchers urge municipalities to align plans with national and European strategies, respect the legal limits on prior control, and adopt clear, predictable criteria. The aim is to enable "Positive Energy Districts", neighbourhoods producing more energy than they use.