Portgás Proposes €128 Million Investment Plan for Gas Network Expansion and Decarbonisation

Portgás Proposes €128 Million Investment Plan for Gas Network Expansion and Decarbonisation

(IN BRIEF) Portgás, a subsidiary of REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais, has announced a comprehensive investment plan totaling €128 million aimed at expanding its natural gas distribution networks and promoting decarbonisation initiatives. The plan, outlined in the Natural Gas Distribution Networks Development and Investment Plan (PDIRD 2024), includes provisions for a 429 km network expansion, significant investments in business development and decarbonisation, and plans to integrate hydrogen and biomethane into its infrastructure. The proposal is currently open for public consultation until July 16, 2024, overseen by the Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE), with detailed investment specifics available for review on Portgás’ and ERSE’s websites.

(PRESS RELEASE) LISBON, 28-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Portgás, a subsidiary of REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais, has unveiled its ambitious investment plan totaling €128 million through 2029 as part of its Natural Gas Distribution Networks Development and Investment Plan (PDIRD 2024). The proposal, covering 2025-2029, is currently open for public consultation overseen by the Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE), with stakeholders invited to submit feedback until 16 July 2024.

Outlined in the plan is an extensive network expansion spanning 429 km, alongside substantial investments of €84.1 million in business development and €14 million in decarbonisation initiatives. Notably, Portgás intends to allocate €10.6 million towards advancing solutions to enable a 20% hydrogen blend within its network, aligning with Portugal’s National Strategy for Hydrogen objectives to integrate hydrogen into gas networks at increasing rates.

In addition to enhancing service reliability and expanding distribution points, the PDIRD prioritizes facilitating the decarbonisation of gas networks and supporting the connection of renewable gas producers, particularly biomethane. Detailed investment breakdowns for each of the 29 municipalities under Portgás’ concession area are available for review on both the company’s and ERSE’s websites.

Following the conclusion of the consultation period, ERSE and the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology will issue non-binding opinions, with final approval of PDIRD proposals resting with the government official overseeing the energy sector.

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SOURCE: REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais