From evidence to action: AIR Centre mobilises Portuguese expertise for the global energy transition

The AIR Centre hosted a preparatory meeting on 27 March to support the development of a Portfolio of Portuguese Capacities ahead of the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, taking place on 28–29 April in Colombia. This preliminary session brings together leading Portuguese experts to map national scientific and technological capabilities relevant to the global transition away from fossil fuels.

The meeting included the participation of Germán Grisales Jiménez, Ambassador of Colombia in Portugal, and Elba Pacheco Aldana, Plenipotentiary Minister at the Embassy, alongside Miguel Miranda and Mafalda Carapuço (Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of the AIR Centre), and Débora Simões, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, underscoring the importance of coordinated international action in accelerating the shift toward sustainable energy systems.

Ambassador Germán Grisales highlighted Colombia's leadership in the energy transition agenda while acknowledging the complexity of the road ahead – from overcoming fiscal dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring energy security, to managing the social and economic reconversion of coal-dependent communities. He emphasised the need for integrated approaches combining technical, social and ethical dimensions, and expressed Colombia's strong interest in international exchange as a driver of collective progress.

The technical session featured contributions from invited specialists, such as António Sarmento (WAVEC), António Vallêra (Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon), Francisco Gírio (LNEG), Isabel Azevedo (INEGI), João A. Peças Lopes (INESC TEC), Jorge Sousa (IST), and Pedro Carvalho (IST).

Together, these experts addressed key dimensions of the energy transition, including national grid challenges, sustainable energy systems, offshore renewable potential, bioenergy pathways, and local energy planning. Their insights will help identify strengths, gaps and opportunities within Portugal’s research and innovation landscape, contributing to a consolidated national portfolio to be presented in Colombia.

[PC, 30 March 2026]