“The Minister of Environment and Energy has ordered a comprehensive report on the conditions under which activities related to the safety of Portuguese dams are being conducted, in order to strengthen oversight in a sector essential for the country,” stated the ministry in a communiqué.

According to Maria da Graça Carvalho’s office, Portugal currently has 263 large dams governed by the Dam Safety Regulations, in addition to a much larger number of smaller infrastructures covered by the Small Dam Regulations, which are essential for multiple uses, particularly agricultural.

The ministry justifies this “comprehensive and updated technical assessment” due to “the increasing legal complexity, aging infrastructure, the entry of new operators, and the effects of climate change.”

The APA, as the national dam safety authority, is responsible for preparing the report in coordination with sector entities, including the National Dam Safety Commission.

“The government has tasked the APA with preparing this report, which should provide an updated and detailed characterization of the national dams from a safety perspective, inventory and prioritize intervention and financing needs, assess available resources, and present proposals for operational improvement,” stressed the ministry, adding that the costs will be covered by the Environmental Fund, managed by the Climate Agency.

Maria da Graça Carvalho, quoted in the communiqué, emphasized that this report, to be delivered within 12 months, “will allow us to identify vulnerabilities, prioritize interventions, and ensure that the country is prepared to respond to present and future challenges.”