“Although private, they are under the regulation and intervention of Empresa de Eletricidade da Madeira [public company]. That is why I will never privatize this essential sector,” he stated.
The PSD/CDS-PP executive chief was speaking in Paul da Serra, in the interior of the island, where he inaugurated the first hybrid renewable energy production park, utilizing wind and solar sources, a private project valued at 25 million euros.
“I believe all this investment being made in Madeira is crucial to ensure greater energy autonomy, meaning we become less dependent on market fluctuations and also achieve ecological compensation, with less greenhouse gas emissions,” he emphasized.
According to the official, the autonomous region currently has the installed capacity to produce 47% of the total energy from renewable sources—hydro, wind, and solar—and aims to reach 50% by the end of the year.
About 80% of renewable energy is produced by private entities, distributed to consumers through the public sector company.
The Social Democrat Miguel Albuquerque, leading the Regional Government since 2015, said he is monitoring the national liberalization process but advocates for a “positive discrimination” for the region due to its specificities, stressing that he “will never privatize” the electricity sector.
“The most important thing is, without a doubt, for us to gain energy autonomy and independence. If through our natural resources—hydro, wind, and solar—we can achieve the capability to supply Madeira with 50% renewable electricity by the end of the year, I think it is a significant achievement and we will continue,” he asserted.
