Portugal Close to 45% Renewable Electricity

By the end of this year, Portugal may be producing 45 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. In 2005 that figure was about 17 percent. The national government made a commitment to boost their green energy output, and has followed through on their goals. Their next energy objective is to use 60 percent renewable by 2020. Executive Director of the International Energy Agency said of their success, “The publication of the National Energy Strategy in October 2005 paved the way for a large number of positive changes in the energy sector. Portugal has gone a long way towards attaining the objectives of the 2005 strategy, and the energy sector is well placed to meet challenges brought about by the present global economic downturn.”

The change in energy production has been spurred by the fact the country has been dependent on importing fossil fuels for much of its energy. Wind-watch.org reported that the renewable energy projects have reduced fossil fuel imports enough to save 500 million euros. Energy independence leads to economic independence, and Portugal is moving that way.

Most of their renewable power currently comes from hydro and wind. A single dam, called Alto Lindso, has a capacity of 630 megawatts. Euronews said one of the hydroelectric facilities supplies electricity to 175,000 homes.

There are also 100 small hydroelectric plants with a capacity of 256 megawatts. Wind power capacity installed so far is about 3,500 megawatts. Two wind farms alone have a combined capacity of 480 megawatts; Alto Minho and Ventominho. In 2011, the country expects to begin construction of a national infrastructure for charging electric cars. Green energy is employing 10,000 people there and could provide jobs for more people.

One solar plant, Moura, has a capacity of 62 megawatts, and 376,000 solar panels. It is in one of the sunniest places in Portugal. A number of solar plants are functioning and creating energy.

Portugal also has significant wave energy potential. There is already one wave energy project in action.

Portugal is a nation of about ten million people.

Image Credit: Public Domain

Read more: Do Good, Community Service, hydro, portugal, solar, wave power

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Gustavo G.

2:51PM PDT on May 10, 2011

Actually it was 50% in 2010.

send a green star

Emma S.

9:56PM PST on Nov 17, 2010

Hey Portugal, you're the country that discovered the world, and that the world forgot...it's about time people are 'discovering' you for a Good Cause! Go Green Portugal!..Hey U.S.--pay attention and start doing something...

Ruth R.

10:43PM PDT on Sep 20, 2010

Interesting especially on the solar video. Those wind turbines are enormous.

A P.

11:15PM PDT on Sep 6, 2010

Puts richer countries to shame. Shows what can be done.

We don't hear enough about geo-thermal and wave technologies. Both of which produce energy continually and are a great complement to solar.

Sonia B.

11:45AM PDT on Aug 24, 2010

I am so proud of my country right now! :)

Mary Ann C.

2:35PM PDT on Aug 20, 2010

This is fantastic! It's time we all get on board and delete our use of fossil fuels 4ever. YOU GO PORTUGAL!!

Jo B.

4:19PM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

Wonderful and very impressive...Thank you very much for sharing. x

Keith R.

10:21AM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

Thanks to all who respond to my comment too many to name, Write to Scottish First Minister at SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT in EDINBURGH, it might give hime some extra pressure esp when you compare his poor target of 20% by 2035. Keith Roberts fm Scotland

Ellinor S.

10:16AM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

This is great news.

jeanie j.

7:25AM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

thank you.. want the u.s to learn from other forward-looking countries.....model after their experiences and successes.....move beyond oil