The Portuguese government is launching a study to assess how to adapt the national electric grid to withstand the increasing impacts of climate change, officials announced Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The move comes as the country continues to grapple with widespread power outages following recent severe weather events.
The study, commissioned by the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology, will analyze the cost-benefit of various solutions, including burying power lines in areas deemed most at risk. According to a statement from the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, a phased implementation plan with investment estimates will be completed within six months.
The assessment will focus on identifying critical areas vulnerable to wildfires and extreme weather, and will compare the effectiveness of reinforcing existing power lines, partially or fully burying them, and implementing hybrid solutions and resilience technologies. The analysis will also consider the impact of each option on service continuity and consumer rates.
The study will also propose methodological adaptations to existing planning instruments, integrating them into future cycles of the National Transport Network and National Distribution Network Development and Investment Plans. A key outcome will be a prioritized, phased implementation plan with a proposed timeline and funding sources.
Minister of the Environment Maria da Graça Carvalho emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety, reliability, and quality of electricity supply. “We are obligated to adapt the electrical system to the demands of the present and the needs of the future to avoid service disruptions and ensure security of supply,” she said.
The government also highlighted the European Commission’s increased funding and regulatory simplification for investments in smart infrastructure through the Grids Package. This support aims to accelerate the modernization of energy networks across Europe.
Recent weeks have seen a series of storms batter Portugal, underscoring the urgency of reassessing planning criteria, particularly regarding the structural robustness of infrastructure, the selective burial of lines in critical areas, and the incorporation of resilience metrics into decision-making processes. The demand for grid improvements has been further highlighted by ongoing outages.
As of Tuesday afternoon, approximately 9,000 customers remained without power, according to E-Redes. The company reiterated its advice that anyone identifying downed or damaged electrical infrastructure should stay clear and report it to 800 506 506 or through the Digital Counter. E-Redes previously reported around 11,000 customers without power on Monday morning.
The prolonged outages, more than 20 days after the passage of depression Kristin, are prompting increased complaints, particularly regarding the rising costs of fuel for generators.
