Exceptional Procedure for Connection to the Electricity Grid
On 2 February, Order No. 1135/2026 of the Ministry of Environment was published in the Diário da República regarding High Energy Demand Zones, recognising mainland Portugal covered by the Public Electricity Grid (RESP) as a single high-demand zone, under the terms of Decree-Law No. 80/2023 of 6 September, as currently amended.
The order establishes the opening of an exceptional procedure for the allocation of connection capacity to the RESP, in accordance with the criteria and conditions set out.
This decision is detailed in Announcement No. 16-A/2026, published in Diário da República No. 23/2026, Supplement, Series II, on 3 February 2026, by the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology, opening a public consultation for the expression of interest in the allocation of connection capacity to the RESP. This allows investors and energy developers to submit their intentions to connect to the electricity grid in a zone of high energy demand.
This procedure is particularly relevant for Sines and the ZILS – Sines Industrial and Logistics Zone, specifically for strengthening the electricity grid connection capacity needed to support large-scale industrial, logistics, and energy projects, enhancing the region’s sustainable development and competitiveness.
