Two of the PCIs identified in Portugal form part of the domestic 'cluster' to improve the integration of renewable energy generation into the national system - the internal lines between Pedralva and Sobrado and between Vieira do Minho, Ribeira de Pena and Feira - and to improve interconnections with Spain, namely between that country's Beariz and Fontefría and Portugal's Ponte de Lima and Vila Nova de Famalicão, with three local substations also included in the latter project.


The other projects that involve Portugal relate to bilateral energy flows, including the construction of a third interconnection with Spain and another between Spain and France, to end Iberia's situation as a virtual energy 'island'.


According to the commission, the 195 PCIs now adopted will help diversify energy sources and transportation routes and end the energy isolation of some member states.


Increasing the percentage of renewable energy coming into the network is another major commission objective.


PCIs will benefit from faster licensing processes and better regulatory conditions, and may be eligible for EU finance aimed at boosting cross-border interconnections.


A budget of €5.35 billion has been set aside for cross-border energy infrastructure between 2014 and 2020.