A green map for renewables
Portugal opened a public consultation on the Mapa Verde, identifying 1,302 priority zones for solar and wind power. Citizens, councils and developers can have their say via participa.pt.
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Pulse
17 June 2026
Good morning! Today's Pulse leans into energy, soil and water, with a few gentle outdoor invitations and a curious garden visitor along the way.
Faster, clearer licensing
The same Mapa Verde tool is tied to Renewable Energy Acceleration Zones, aiming to simplify licensing and bring environmental criteria in early. It stems from the EU's RED III directive.
Securing the power supply
The government is creating a capacity mechanism to reward available generation, storage and demand management during peak periods, coordinated with the European Commission.
Backing up the grid
The capacity mechanism follows an assessment by DGEG, REN and ERSE and complements other investments, including a 750 MVA battery auction and gas combined-cycle plants.
A new solar plant in Trofa
A 24-million-euro plant with 50,000 panels was inaugurated in Muro, Trofa, expected to power around 4,500 homes and avoid over 4,890 tonnes of CO2 a year.
A new energy platform
Cleanwatts Digital launched kWant Energy, an integrated platform covering the full life cycle of energy projects, from diagnosis to operation, with a focus on battery storage and energy communities.
Solidarity in clean energy
Fundação EDP's Energia Solidária programme picked 13 social and environmental projects for 2025/26, backed by one million euros for vulnerable and low-density communities.
Big investment at Aljustrel mine
ALMINA inaugurated a 400-million-euro project at the Aljustrel mine, expanding copper and zinc processing and adding a solar unit producing over 40,000 MWh a year.
Aljustrel looks ahead
The same Aljustrel project, partly funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, was opened by the Prime Minister, with the company announcing further investments in new deposits.
Greener beer brewing
Central de Cervejas installed a 33.5-million-euro heat pump system at its Vialonga brewery, expected to cut thermal energy CO2 emissions by 50% and save around 7,381 tonnes a year.
Waste fuels for cement
Coprocessing waste in cement kilns avoided around 219,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2025, with company AVE connecting waste producers to manufacturers in a circular model.
Smarter city lighting
Portuguese firm Arquiled manages over 90,000 IoT devices and smart LED lighting, with projects already saving more than 218 GWh and avoiding over 40,000 tonnes of CO2.
Accelerating deep tech
The government launched Tech Foundry Portugal Deep Tech Edition, supporting up to 40 teams in climate technology and clean energy, running from September in Porto.
Restocking the Ria Formosa
IPMA's Olhão pilot station released 700 sea bream and 700 sea bass into the Ria Formosa, part of a continued effort to strengthen biodiversity in the lagoon.
Birds and rice farmers
A University of Lisbon study found rice farmers in Vila Franca de Xira often see flamingos, storks and ibises as threats, and recommends agri-environmental schemes to foster coexistence.
A curious garden spider
A reader's photo of a large spider in Samora Correia was identified as likely belonging to the Araneus genus, whose females can grow larger than often cited.
Protecting pastures against desertification
ZERO warns that pastures, a fifth of mainland Portugal, are vital against desertification but poorly protected, and urges the new national plan to integrate soil and biodiversity.
Reviving the montado
A demonstration in Montemor-o-Novo showed how dolomitic limestone and cellulose sludge reversed severe soil degradation in the montado, restoring pasture and reducing erosion.
Lagoa as a water model
A Romanian delegation visited Lagoa to study its water management, after the municipality cut non-revenue water from 41.5% to 29.7% with over 10.4 million euros of investment.
A legal framework for AdP AQUA
President Seguro promulgated the decree establishing the legal framework for AdP AQUA, linked to the 'Água que Une' water management strategy.
Pressure over Tejo river flows
Environmental group proTEJO challenged the European Ombudsman over ecological flows in the Tejo, calling for infringement proceedings amid concerns over water quality and native fish.
LIPOR's circular year
LIPOR's 2025 report highlighted over 92,000 tonnes recycled, nearly 192,000 MWh of electricity, a 39.4% emissions cut, and Portugal's first textile sorting pilot.
Sustainability shapes choices
A study found 89% of Portuguese consumers value brands' environmental commitments, though high prices and unclear information remain barriers.
Fruta Feia wins recognition
Portuguese project Fruta Feia was among the winners of the third Fundação Moeve Awards, recognising solutions for a just ecological transition.
Recycling at Rock in Rio
Sociedade Ponto Verde returns as Official Sustainability Partner at Rock in Rio Lisboa, with recycling games, mobile teams and waste separation across the venue.
Ocean literacy in the Azores
The Blue Azores programme brought ocean literacy books and 150 interactive sessions to 136 schools across all nine islands, with new teacher training now open.
Drone pilot training
ESAC-IPC in Coimbra opened applications for the second edition of its Drone Pilot micro-credential, blending online theory with hands-on practice.
Advanced forestry school
A new advanced forestry training school is opening in Quiaios, Figueira da Foz, with a forwarder training facility said to be unique in the Iberian Peninsula.
University ties in São Brás
São Brás de Alportel and the University of Algarve signed a cooperation protocol on applied research and training, with the carob value chain as a strategic priority.
Bringing CAP to the public
The COM-PACTO project used a collaborative mural and a card game at the National Agriculture Fair in Santarém to raise awareness of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Funchal's climate council
Funchal held the first meeting of its Local Climate Action Council to oversee the city's 2030 Climate Action Plan, stressing participatory governance.
Cities and the 2030 Agenda
An international conference in Porto on 19 June will explore local approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals, with conclusions feeding into governance recommendations.
Walking for the Arrábida
Citizens and environmentalists are organising a walk in Setúbal to protest access restrictions and alleged privatisation of Arrábida's beaches and public spaces.
Puppet theatre on the beaches
Teatro Dom Roberto will tour Lagoa's beaches with a puppet show on recycling, marine pollution and plastic, suitable for all ages.
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