The electrical distribution network in Portugal faces a significant challenge with the rise of electric vehicle charging points.
According to Luis Castanheira, CEO of Mota-Engil Renewing, the main obstacle to the development of EV charging infrastructure is grid’s power management and availability.
“The grid is not prepared for heavy loads and distributed energy production, so obtaining the necessary power to operate our chargers is a challenge,” he explains to Mobility Portal Europe.
However, he emphasizes that the situation is improving.
“At present, if we need to request a medium-voltage connection, we are looking at timeframe of just over a year, whereas it used to take around two to three years,” he assures.
The process of upgrading the electrical grid is essential to overcoming this hurdle.
Castanheira points out that, in Portugal, the cost of supply is relatively low, but the main issue arises when medium-voltage connections are needed in remote locations.
“If the connection is too far away, the investment required can turn the project economically unfeasible and this challenge particularly affects the deployment of charging points in isolated areas,” he indicates.
What improvements are expected?
Despite the difficulties, the Mota-Engil Renewing representative is optimistic about the prospects for improving grid infrastructure.
In this regard, the introduction of new European Union directives plays a crucial role.
Specifically, the revision of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which will mandate the installation of more sustainable energy solutions, such as solar panels and chargers, in new buildings from 2030 onwards.
“This initiative will drive electric mobility, but there are concerns about how it will be applied in practice,” Castanheira notes.
The Directive requiring the installation of charging points in car parks of new buildings and shopping centres could have significant implications for the electrical grid.
In this context, the CEO warns of the cost of electrifying 50% of parking spaces in large complexes.
“The power required to implement this would be enormous and in some cases, such as football stadiums with large crowds, the cost of installing so many chargers could outweigh the benefits,” he states.
Nevertheless, Castanheira acknowledges the need to promote electric mobility.
For the expert, regarding grids’ power management and availability, the solution lies in grid flexibility and using available renewable energy during periods of lower demand.
“The ideal approach is to focus on existing opportunities, such as charging in buildings with available energy or installing shared chargers instead of placing individual points at each home,” he suggests.
In this way, the infrastructure could be optimised without the need for massive investments in new power lines or substations.
Although the strategies to adapt the grid to the growing demand for charging points are clear, the CEO considers a more pragmatic approach from European authorities is required to prevent regulations from remaining theoretical.
“The EU must reassess and adapt to on-the-ground realities; otherwise, we risk these directives remaining mere paperwork, as their implementation would be virtually unfeasible,” he concludes.
What role does bidirectional charging play in this context?
This solution, which would allow the use of electric vehicle batteries to power the grid, is another aspect that has not yet been fully implemented in Portugal.
Although pilot tests are underway, the CEO considers it will be some time before widespread adoption of this technology becomes tangible.
“The vehicles that offer this functionality are limited, and the market is still in a trial phase,” he admits.
Regarding the funding of eMobility projects, he highlights that e-Credits, envisaged in European legislation for 2025, could help offset the costs of charging infrastructure.
This system would allow for additional income for charging point operators through the use of renewable energy.
“e-Credits could facilitate the installation of chargers in locations where it would otherwise be difficult to justify economically,” he explains.
The CEO also emphasizes: “We are talking about electric mobility, but we should start thinking about net-zero mobility.”
To achieve this, it is essential to ensure that the power used to charge cars comes from 100% renewable sources, which, according to him, would enable the achievement of EU’s climate targets.
