Renewable energy in Portugal

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 preserving the environment by reducing gas emissions, especially the carbon dioxide responsible for climate change. [ [http://www.iea-pvps.org/ar02/prt.htm Portugal PV technology status and prospects] ] While in the past 5 years the main priorities were focused on the introduction of natural gas (aiming at progressively replacing 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. [ [http://www.iea-pvps.org/ar02/prt.htm Portugal PV technology status and prospects] ]

Hydro power

Portugal has about 100 small hydro systems, with a capacity of 256 MW and produce 815 GWh/year. [ [http://www.energiasrenovaveis.com/html/energias/hidrica_pt_actualidade.asp :: Portal das Energias Renováveis :: Energia Hídrica :: ] ]

The biggest hydroelectric power station is in the Alto Lindoso dam, with a capacity of 630 MW.

Wind power

In March 2007, there was 1,874 MW of wind power generating capacity installed in Portugal, with another 908 MW under construction. The major wind turbine manufacturers in the Portuguese market are Enercon, Vestas and Gamesa. [ [http://inegi.inegi.up.pt/publicacoes/outras/Wind_Farms_Portugal_Mar07.pdf Wind farms in Portugal, March 2007] ] Major wind farms include: Pampilhosa Wind Farm which has a capacity of 81 MW and uses Vestas V90 turbines; Caramulo Wind Farm with a capacity of 84 MW, using Enercon E-70 E4 turbines; and Candeeiros Wind Farm with a capacity of 78 MW, using Vestas V90 turbines. [ [http://inegi.inegi.up.pt/publicacoes/outras/Wind_Farms_Portugal_Mar07.pdf Wind farms in Portugal, March 2007] ]

Photovoltaic power station

A large photovoltaic power project, the Serpa solar power plant, has been completed in Portugal, in one of Europe's sunniest areas. [ [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4009836a6026.html Major solar power plant opens in Portugal] ] The 11 megawatt plant covers 150 acres and has 52,000 PV panels. The panels are raised 2 metres off the ground and the area will remain productive grazing land. The plant provides enough energy for 8,000 homes and will save an estimated 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5056012.stm Portugal starts huge solar plant] ] [ [http://www.geenergyfinancialservices.com/press_room/press_releases/prs_2006_0427.pdf World's largest solar power plant to be built] ]

Not far from there, Moura photovoltaic power station is under construction. With more than 376,000 solar modules, it will have an installed capacity of 62MWp when it is finished in 2010. The first stage of construction is scheduled for completion in 2008. A solar panel factory is also being built in the city of Moura, where there are plans to build a research lab.

Geothermal power

Portugal main investment of use this type of energy is in Azores. There is a small use since the 80s in Chaves and S. Pedro do Sul, Continental Portugal with 3 MWt.

In Azores the use of Geothermal energy is very common, with investments in 8 of the 9 Islands, producing about 235,5 MWt. In 2003, 25% of the electricity consumed in São Miguel was produced by geothermal energy. [http://www.energiasrenovaveis.com/html/energias/geo_pt_actualidade.asp]

Wave farm

Portugal continues to work towards development of the world's first commercial wave farm, the Aguçadora Wave Park near Póvoa de Varzim. Although due in 2006, it has not been installed as of August 2007. The farm will initially use three Pelamis P-750 machines generating 2.25 MW. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4805076.stm Sea machine makes waves in Europe] ] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4563077.stm Wave energy contract goes abroad] ] 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 to install enough machines to generate 525 MW. [ [http://jn.sapo.pt/2006/05/12/economia_e_trabalho/primeiro_parque_mundial_ondas_povoa_.html Primeiro parque mundial de ondas na Póvoa de Varzim] ]

ee also

*List of renewable energy topics by country
*Renewable energy in the European Union
*Renewable energy in Germany
*Renewable energy in Scotland
*Energy policy of the European Union
*Renewable energy development
*Economy of the European Union
*Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change
*Renewable energy commercialization

References

External links

* [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4652820.html Portugal investing in renewable energy]
* [http://ec.europa.eu/energy/energy_policy/doc/factsheets/renewables/renewables_pt_en.pdf Portugal -- Renewable energy facts sheet]
* [http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/byC/Portugal/Portugal.shtml Renewable energy businesses in Portugal]
* [http://www.reegle.info/solar-energy-society-of-portugal.12.1898.htm Solar Energy Society of Portugal]
* [http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38245 Portugal: Making Up for Lost Time in Renewable Energy]