Renewable energy in Portugal
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In 2001, the Portuguese government launched a new energy policy instrument – the E4 Programme (Energy Efficiency and Endogenous Energies), consisting of a set of multiple, diversified measures aimed at promoting a consistent, integrated approach to energy supply and demand. By promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy (endogenous) sources, the programme seeks to upgrade the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and to modernize the country’s social fabric, while simultaneously preserving the environment by reducing gas emissions, especially the CO2 responsible for climate change.[1]
While in the past 5 years the main priorities were focused on the introduction of natural gas (aiming at progressively substituting oil and coal in the energy balance) and liberalization of the energy market (by opening this former state-owned sector to competition and private investment), the emphasis for the next 8-10 years will be put on energy efficiency (supply and demand sides) and use of endogenous (renewable) energy.[2]
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[edit] Wave farm
Portugal now has the world's first commercial wave farm, the Aguçadora Wave Park near Póvoa de Varzim, established in 2006. The farm will initially use three Pelamis P-750 machines generating 2.25 MW. [3][4] Initial costs are put at 8.5 million euro. Subject to successful operation, a further 70 million euro is likely to be invested before 2009 on a further 28 machines to generate 525 MW.[5]
[edit] Photovoltaic power station
A large photovoltaic power project has been completed in Portugal, in one of the Europe's sunniest areas.[6] The 11 megawatt plant covers 150 acres and is comprised of 52,000 PV panels. The panels are raised 2 metres off the ground and the area will remain productive grazing land. The project will provide enough energy for 8,000 homes and will save an estimated 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. [7] [8]
[edit] See also
- Renewable energy in the European Union
- Renewable energy in Germany
- Wind power in Spain
- Energy use and conservation in the United Kingdom
- Renewable energy in Scotland
- Energy policy of the European Union
- Renewable energy development
- Economy of the European Union
- Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change
