Portugal's minister calls for greater energy and water self-sufficiency amid geopolitical risks
Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho told a parliamentary resilience committee that Portugal must boost independence in water and energy to guard against external shocks.
Maria da Graça Carvalho, Portugal's Minister of Environment and Energy, addressed the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee for National Resilience, Prevention of Natural Disasters and Monitoring of the PTRR. She emphasized that the country's geopolitical environment is volatile and that reliance on foreign forces could create problems. Consequently, she argued that greater autonomy in water and energy is essential.
She explained that excessive water retention can cause beach sand depletion and heightened salinity, so careful management is required. While Portugal already leads in renewable electricity, she called for progress in renewable liquid fuels for transport to avoid future price shocks or fuel shortages. The minister concluded that expanding both water and energy independence will strengthen national resilience.
Why it matters
Energy and water self-sufficiency reduces Portugal's exposure to external crises and price volatility.
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