Powering Critical Infrastructure: Why Portugal's €25M Emergency Fund Makes BESS Essential

Portugal is facing unprecedented stress on its national electricity grid. Between soaring temperatures, increased energy consumption and volatile renewable production, the government has issued a clear warning: blackouts are no longer hypothetical—they are a real and growing risk.

In response, a new emergency energy package has been announced. One of the most impactful measures is the creation of a €25 million fund dedicated to critical infrastructure—including fire brigades, police stations, civil protection and emergency units—to invest in battery systems that guarantee autonomous energy supply and operational continuity, even when the grid fails.

Securing Energy Where It’s Needed Most

When the lights go out, critical services must stay on. In emergency scenarios—whether it's a wildfire, a cyberattack or extreme weather—power loss can mean system collapse. Operations centres, coordination platforms, emergency communications, and life-saving equipment all depend on reliable electricity.

And the national grid is no longer a guarantee.

This is why Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are at the heart of the government's new strategy: to decentralise and stabilise access to energy, starting with the institutions that safeguard the public.

Hellonext BESS: Energy Resilience Engineered

At Hellonext, our BESS solutions are designed with mission-critical continuity in mind. Built for scalability and long-term performance, our systems ensure your operations keep running—no matter what’s happening on the grid.

Why Hellonext BESS solutions are ideal for critical infrastructure:

• Instantaneous Backup: Automatic switchover in milliseconds guarantees uninterrupted power.

• Scalable Architecture: From small municipal installations to regional command centres, our solutions adapt to each use case.

• Smart Integration: Seamlessly connects with solar panels or other renewables, and can optimise interaction with the national grid.

• Remote Management: 24/7 cloud-based monitoring and diagnostics to ensure readiness and performance.

• Built for the Field: Resistant enclosures and industrial-grade hardware ready for demanding environments.

Fast-Track Implementation Now a Reality

Another decisive government measure strengthens this opportunity even further: energy projects below 50MW are now exempt from environmental impact studies, significantly accelerating deployment.

This is a turning point. Institutions that previously faced long and complex approval processes can now install battery systems quickly and with fewer regulatory hurdles—especially important for those operating in high-risk or remote areas.

From Emergency Preparedness to Strategic Autonomy

This is more than crisis management. It's a shift toward strategic energy independence. With BESS, critical services can:

• Stay operational during blackouts

• Reduce dependence on an overstretched grid

• Lower energy costs through smart consumption

• Integrate clean energy sources into daily operations

The €25 million fund is an invitation to act—quickly, smartly, and with long-term vision.

At Hellonext, we are ready to support fire brigades, police units, civil protection services and all essential institutions in building real energy resilience.