The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism highlighted the ProEnergia programme as an "example" of a system designed to encourage the production of energy from renewable sources. In this regard, she pointed out the 23% increase in the amount under support in 2017 compared to the previous year.
 
"We believe that it is important to mention the success of the implementation of this programme. It supported 373 clean energy production equipment in 2017, representing 106 more than in 2016 and an overall investment of 214 thousand Euros," said Marta Guerreiro. She spoke in Ponta Delgada at the end of the 3rd Meeting with Energy Efficiency that took place Monday.
 
The Secretary for Energy stressed that "it is exactly this model of results that we intend to achieve, so that the Azores may follow the path towards sustainability, also from private initiatives."
 
The increase of applications registered during 2017 reflects the awareness campaigns that the Regional Directorate for Energy has been promoting for this purpose as well as the Region's economic growth.
 
Marta Guerreiro considered that these meetings have a fundamental role in awareness-raising, stressing "the importance of managing the resources at our disposal in the best way possible, with obvious direct benefits for the environment and, ultimately, for the society."
 
"The awareness of the population for the importance of energy-related matters and the respective incentive schemes as well as the need to develop energy efficiency strategies are a priority for the Azorean Government," said the government official.
 
In her speech, the Regional Secretary stated that the implementation of this initiative allowed "the dissemination of the available incentive schemes from a perspective that corresponds to the actual needs of the Azorean population, "contributing to the promotion of energy efficiency."
 
"Our intention is to encourage the demand for financial incentives and, thus, achieve results," said Marta Guerreiro.
 
After meetings that focused on energy efficiency in industry, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and public buildings, this third meeting marked the continuation of a series of initiatives that will address, throughout the year, energy, electric mobility, the residential sector and public lighting.
 
"We intend to reach the society in general, the public administration and companies in several activity sectors" with the purpose of fostering "a low-carbon economy in the Azores," stressed the Regional Secretary.