Energy efficiency policy is being built on the ground with Azoreans, says Regional Director
The Regional Director for Energy stated today that the Regional Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (PRAEE) is already collecting the contributions of several sectors. It aims to define public energy consumption policies that are "adequate and adjusted to the real needs of the Azores and the Azoreans."
"This Plan is in line with the regional, national and European goals towards cleaner, competitive and safe energy for all, including various measures to be implemented. They are divided into five areas to optimise synergies among similar sectors, with special emphasis on behaviours, public administration, buildings, industry (including the primary sector) and mobility," said Andreia Carreiro. The government official spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the INSULAC plant in Ribeira Grande.
Andreia Carreiro pointed out that the focus on energy efficiency highlighted in the PRAEE is "strategic" as far as it concerns the "optimisation and rationalisation of energy consumption without compromising the quality of service and comfort. It will bring several economic and social advantages to companies and families in full harmony with the environmental sustainability of the Region."
In this context, the government official noted that "the involvement of all Azorean in the preparation of this Plan is crucial as far as it will set out the regional energy efficiency policy, ensuring its comprehensive scope and practical applicability in the Azorean reality."
Regarding the visit to INSULAC, Andreia Carreiro stressed that "the dairy industry is one of the most relevant in the Azores, having gained international recognition for the quality of its products; it is a growing and thriving sector." The government official also added that the dairy industry and the industries linked to meat and animal feed "account for about 75% of energy consumption in the Azorean industry."
"Therefore, it is imperative to optimise production processes and promote the rationalisation of energy use. The sector must be guided by the permanent search for innovative solutions and technologies that maximise its competitiveness, while minimising the environmental impact of its activity. This strategy should also promote the image of nature associated with Azorean products," stated the government official.
Under the development of PRAEE, the Regional Directorate for Energy will continue the visits to various Azorean agroindustrial units and meet with other sectors of activity, such as fisheries and hospitality.