ERSE has launched a public consultation on the proposed Development and Investment Plan for the National Electricity Transmission Network covering the period of 2025 to 2034 (PDIRT-E 2024), developed by the National Electricity Grid (REN) in its role as an operator of the National Electricity Transmission Network (TSO).
The proposed PDIRT-E plan outlines a 10-year roadmap designed to meet the climate and energy goals/targets established in Portugal’s National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (PNEC 2030), the Long-Term Carbon Neutrality Strategy 2050 (RNC 2050) , and the National Electricity System Security of Supply Monitoring Report (RMSA-E 2023). Key highlights of the plan include:
- An increase in installed capacity by by approximately 30 GW by 2034 bringing the total to nearly 45 GW, supported by renewable energy projects:
– 23 GW of additional solar photovoltaic capacity (compared to 6.5 GW installed by 2024).
– 6 GW of additional wind capacity (compared to 6.3 GW installed by 2024).
– 1 to 2 GW in offshore wind capacity.
- the Tapada do Outeiro natural gas combined cycle power station is scheduled to cease operations in 2029 as part of the decommissioning process.
- As for the investment proposed for the Base Projects, initiated exclusively by the TSO, focus on ensuring the safety, operability and reliability of the National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT). Notable initiatives include:
– Renovation of protection, automation and control systems at the substations of Alqueva, Bodiosa, Lavos, Trafaria, Paraimo and Batalha between 2025 and 2029.
– The creation of a new 220 kV connection between the Rio Maior and Carvoeira substations in 2029.
- Complementary Projects, involve the expansion or reconfiguration of the national transportation grid ,driven by external factors and subject to the grantor’s assessment. The final investment decision is contingent upon the Portuguese Government assessment of its relevance and timing, and this proposal includes, among other aspects:
– Reconfiguration of the Porto network by establishing new 220 kV underground circuit connections along the Vermoim-Custódias-Prelada corridor, including converting sections of existing 220 kV overhead lines to underground circuits.
– Reconfiguration of the Lisbon network, by reinforcing it with new 220 kV underground connections between the western area of Loures and the Carriche substation, alongside the conversion of specific overhead lines to underground circuits.
– Supporting the Power supply for the Porto – Lisbon high-speed rail line, with four connection points to the National Transmission Network , including three new substations in the Oliveira de Azeméis/Estarreja, Cantanhede, and Leiria, as well as the existing Rio Maior substation.
This ambitious plan underscores the commitment to modernizing Portugal’s electricity infrastructure and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
An investment of €1.6915 billion is planned until 2034, reflecting a substantial increase compared to the €831.2 million estimated in the PDIRT-E 2021.
The public consultation will close on 17th of February, 2025.
A public consultation has also been launched for the revision of the Manual of Procedures for Global System Management (MPGSM ) to incorporate markets for Frequency Restoration with Automatic Activation (aFRR) and new tools for system services , aligned with the amendments to the Electricity Sector Network Operating Regulation (ROR), July 2023.
The MPGGS establishes sthe operating rules for Global System Management (GSM) conducted by the transmission system operator (TSO), ensuring the security and operation efficiency of the National Electricity System (SEN) and the effective functioning of the ancillary service markets. The following measures stand out:
- The implementation of Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserves (aFRR) and the associated capacity market, along with the integration of the SEN into the European Picasso platform.
- Promoting non-discriminatory access to markets for aggregators by establishing clear contracting modalities for the representation of producers, autonomous storage solutions, and for the representation of renewable generation, consumption, or self-consumption.
- Introducing a mechanism to manage injection into the network by non-enabled physical units, ensuring the active participation of all physical units in frequency balancing.
- Establishing a standardized capacity product for the following day, linked to the Manual Frequency Restoration Reserves (mFRR) product, with contracts settled for each 15- minute period..
The public consultation will close on February 13, 2025.