Fast-Track support for Strategic Investments in Portugal
Developing large-scale projects in Portugal can be a complex journey, requiring coordination across multiple stages and entities. However, securing Portuguese Important Project (PIN) or Investment Project for the Interior (PII) status unlocks a powerful advantage—streamlining approvals and accelerating progress.
With direct support from key governmental bodies such as APA, CCDR, Floene, REN, and others, investors benefit from: ✔ Priority in licensing – ensuring faster approvals ✔ Simultaneous administrative processing – cutting through bureaucracy ✔ Significant reduction in timelines – getting projects off the ground quicker
For those looking to invest in Portugal, PIN/PII status is the key to unlocking efficiency and success.
The European rail system is becoming increasingly ecological, moving towards electrification and alternative fuel sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and, consequently, emissions. Currently, only Switzerland is 100% electrified and the other countries have varying levels of electrification. The company DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV, located in Germany is thus leading the Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack for Rail Applications project which, together with 8 participants from 4 countries - Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal (Infraestruturas de Portugal SA), aims to develop a fuel cell hybrid engine to meet intermediate needs.
Main objectives:
Design, manufacture and test an innovative power generation system suitable for the railroads, using a hybrid fuel cell and battery system (Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack or FCHPP);
Demonstrate the operation of the FCHPP on a CIVIA EMU that is converted into a two-mode demonstrator train:
On sections with catenary: electric;
On sections without catenary: hybrid system - fuel cell and batteries;
Demonstrate the competitiveness of this type of traction compared to diesel;
Identify innovative solutions to increase energy efficiency,
Propose a regulatory framework for the introduction of hydrogen on the railroads.
Starting in December 2021 and scheduled to end in December 2025, the project is funded by the European Commission's SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport program, with an investment of €13 million and EU support of €9.9 million.
