The Regional Director for Energy stressed today that the regional energy policy, following the energy transition proposed by the European Commission for safer, competitive and sustainable energy for all, "is perfectly aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs)."
 
Andreia Carreiro spoke in Ponta Delgada during a meeting on sustainable development goals promoted by CRESAÇOR, highlighting the energy sector. On the occasion, she stated that "energy has a cross-cutting impact on the implementation of SDGs, from the fight against energy poverty to the protection of ecosystems and social cohesion."
 
The Regional Director has specified some of these goals, namely "Renewable and accessible energy" or "Climate action," which evidence the importance of the sector and the "impact of regional policies" on their accomplishment.
 
Andreia Carreiro also highlighted the development of the Azorean Strategy for Energy 2030 (EAE 2030). It is expected to provide the archipelago with public policies capable of responding to the needs of an insular and outermost region by seizing the potential offered by natural resources and emerging technologies in the energy sector."
 
According to Andreia Carreiro, this strategy will be implemented "in the supply of safe and accessible for all, based on a democratic, participatory and inclusive process. Hence, it will contribute to the optimisation of regional sustainability standards, through economic growth, with clear social advantages."
 
On the occasion, the Regional Director highlighted the European recognition of the public policies that have been defined in the Region, pointing out, for example, the selection of the archipelago by the European Commission as one of the 26 pioneering regions to present their agenda for energy transition.
 
The Regional Director of Social Solidarity, who also attended this meeting, highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Regional Government in the implementation of the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion, calling for the participation of the civil society in this matter.
 
"Only by involving people and organisations will we be able to accomplish the goals towards the reduction of poverty levels in the Region and ensure cohesion among the different territories of the Azores, thus promoting sustainable and inclusive development," said Paulo Fontes.