Portugal's state return to REN capital supported by EU

Portuguese Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho stated in Brussels that the European Commission has “accepted well” the Portuguese state’s return to the capital of Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN).

Following a meeting with Céline Gauer of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, Carvalho explained that state participation in a high-voltage electricity transmission network is crucial for energy sovereignty and security. She noted that prior to this decision, Portugal was the only country in the European transmission operator network with a completely private company.

Carvalho highlighted that 18 of the 40 electricity transmission companies across 34 European countries are fully public, citing Denmark, Sweden, and Norway as examples. The move to increase state involvement in REN has been a planned government objective since 2024.