Portugal minister defends state stake in REN, gas grids and Sines refinery

Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho told Jornal PT Green that the state should have a stronger role in strategic energy assets, citing the acquisition of 13.7% of REN, with a target of 20%, and the possibility of using a 2014 decree-law to block the Galp/Moeve refinery deal if it threatens Portuguese control of Sines. She outlined four priorities for 2027: renewable energy diversification through biomethane, grid and storage investment worth over €3 billion, water autonomy including new desalination plants, a waste strategy avoiding new landfills, and nature restoration. She also addressed fuel price rises, data centres, nuclear power and the stalled Climate Action Council.