Delimitation of Abrantes renewable energy technological free zone

As part of pilot projects using renewable energy sources in mainland Portugal, outlined in Decree-Law 15/2022 of January 14 (“Decree-Law 15/2022”), which establishes the organization and operation of the national electricity system, the government has approved the delimitation of a renewable energy technological free zone (“TFZ”) in the Abrantes municipality through Ordinance 99/2025/2 of February 4.

This TFZ is intended for research, development and innovation projects focused on the production, storage and self-consumption of electricity from renewable energy, as well as other renewable energy carriers. It was developed within the context of the Pego thermoelectric power plant decommissioning process.

The TFZ was delimited based on the proposal submitted by the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology and the Abrantes Municipal Council, in collaboration with the Médio–Tejo Intermunicipal Community, and was subject to public consultation.

Decree-Law 15/2022 provided for the creation of three TFZs: (i) the one now delimited in Abrantes; (ii) another in Viana do Castelo for pilot projects involving the research and development of electricity from ocean sources or locations (see more); and (ii) a third—yet to be delimited—that will cover the Mira Irrigation Perimeter, aimed at researching and developing technologies that enable the dual occupation of land for both agricultural purposes and electricity production.

These TFZs are subject to a special regime provided for in chapter XV of Decree-Law 15/2022, which includes various measures such as the allocation of a quota of feed-in capacity in the Public Service Electricity Grid (RESP), an exemption from providing a guarantee and paying fees, and the simplification of licensing procedures.