Portugal is on a mission to be one of europe’s leaders in the eco-friendly revolution. And with no oil, coal, or gas resources of its own, its not only a eco-friendly idea, but an economically wise one too. In 2001, the Portuguese government introduced a new comprehensive energy policy – the E4 Programme. The programme consists of multiple diversified measures, which aim at promoting a consistent approach to satisfying energy supply and demand. The programme seeks not only to alleviate the strain placed on the environment through the reduction of gas emissions, but also to improve the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and modernize the country’s social fabric.
With plenty of sunshine, wind and it’s own coastline, Portugal is fortunate to have many of the natural requirements needed to establish renewable energy sources. An immense photovoltaic power project, the Serpa power plant, was completed recently. This mammoth of a power plant covers 150 acres, and is able to provide energy for 8,000 homes, saving an estimated 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Portugal also boasts the world’s very first commercial wave farm. The Aguçadoura Wave Park is located 5 km’s offshore, north of Porto, and consists of 3 wave energy converters, which produce energy by converting the motion of the ocean surface waves into electricity.
Portugal seems to be meeting the ambitious goals set for constructing a low carbon economy, and is now even raising previously set targets for renewable energy use. Having passed it’s target for 2010, Portugal could soon be leading the way in Europe’s eco-revolution.
