Secretary of State for Energy attends Cleantech for Iberia event

In his address to the main stakeholders of the hydrogen and renewable gases value chain, Jean Barroca, the Deputy Secretary of State for Energy, sought to dispel several common myths—such as the idea that energy is merely a cost, that renewables are a luxury, that energy security depends on fossil reserves, or that electricity is only for cars.

Using HyChem as an example, the government official argued that energy represents a strong investment—one that enables industry, employment, and economic growth. He emphasized that Europe understands that “competitive and affordable energy must be green.”

He also noted that hydrogen will play a decisive role in sectors that face greater challenges in reducing emissions, such as industry and transport. Moreover, he stressed the need to decarbonize the country’s strategic reserves, advocating that hydrogen production in Portugal should first be used domestically, particularly in industry and transport, before being directed toward export markets.

Concluding his remarks, the Secretary of State praised HyChem, describing it as “an industrial park that combines manufacturing and a living lab—the best example of a virtuous cycle between innovation and the economy.”

What is the Cleantech for Iberia coalition?

Cleantech for Iberia—an initiative promoted by the Cleantech Group with the support of Breakthrough Energy, founded by Bill Gates—aims to position the Iberian Peninsula as a European leader in clean technologies, driving decarbonization and the growth of a sustainable, competitive industry in Portugal and Spain.

This coalition brings together investors, innovators, banks, universities, incubators, and family offices, with the goal of fostering an innovative ecosystem that maximizes the Iberian Peninsula’s potential.

Hydrogen and other renewable gases, produced from renewable energy sources, are seen as a strategic pillar of Europe’s energy transition and a key enabler of sustainable reindustrialization. With its abundant solar and wind resources and an expanding energy infrastructure, the Iberian Peninsula is well positioned to become a competitive hub in this sector.