Two Paths to Climate Neutrality: Divergent Energy Strategies of Portugal and Slovakia

Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires strategic shifts in national energy portfolios tailored to specific geographical and socio-political conditions. This study examines the divergent low-carbon trajectories of Portugal, characterized by variable renewable integration, and Slovakia, defined by a robust nuclear baseload, through the perspectives of STEM students who will lead the energy transition. The rationale for comparing these two countries lies in their contrasting low-carbon strategies, which provide a natural setting for examining how divergent national energy systems shape the attitudes of a technically educated cohort largely overlooked in previous research yet responsible for implementing the transition. Data were collected through an online survey (n = 133) at technical universities in Bratislava and Porto. Results indicate regional disparities in household energy mixes, notably higher wood burning in Slovakia (12%) than Portugal (<1%). Slovak respondents reported higher residential solar adoption (63.6% of solar users), possibly associated with higher homeownership (93%) and energy-crisis pressures, despite Portugal’s superior solar irradiance. Although limited by sample size, this pilot assessment shows that future engineers navigate trade-offs between sustainability and economic viability and view transition costs largely as a governmental responsibility. These findings inform the alignment of urban energy policies with the next generation’s readiness.