EU energy communities policy tracker
Portugal
Last updated: 15/06/2026
Other EU funds
Summary
Funds for energy communities are included in 4 out of 7 Portuguese regional Operational Programmes (OPs): Centro Regional Programme, Alentejo Regional Programme, Norte Regional Programme and Algarve Regional Programme.
Detailed assessment
Specific allocation for energy communities.
Average
Energy communities are included as a separate target within various Operational Programmes. However, in the majority of cases financing comes from broader RES and energy efficiency budget lines.
The financing of energy communities is connected to the targets of the National Reform Programme of 2022 which sets a targets of 35MW of additional capacity via self-consumption (private prosumers) and energy communities by 2025.
Safeguards against corporate capture
Average
Within the Portuguese Operational Programmes the definition of energy communities is based on the law Decreto-Lei n.º 162/2019, which is not fully aligned with the EU Directives.
Availability of tailored financing tools
No grade
This information is not available yet, however the majority of finance is expected to be provided in the form of grants.
Funding targeting different activities by energy communities
Average
The funds allocated to energy communities will various community-led activities, including energy efficiency and housing renovation measures.
Funds targeting different stages of project development
No grade
Since no calls have been activated, it's not clear what stages of project development will be targeted.
Transparency in the design and communication of the funding schemes
No grade
No calls have yet been activated.
Social Criteria included in the funding calls
No grade
No calls have yet been activated.
Accessibility and Simplicity
No grade
No calls have yet been activated.
Recommendations
- Unlocking ERDF Funds: The Managing Authorities of the European Regional Development Fund should activate funding calls for energy communities from the existing Operational Programmes. They are specifically advised to include social criteria (as per the Guidance Document developed by the Cohesion4Transitions initiative of DG REGIO). The calls should also support different activities by energy communities, including storage and citizen led renovations.
- EU Budget 2028-2034: Portugal should include supportive reforms and investments for energy communities in its National and Regional Partnership Plan.