As Renewable energies do not run out over time and do not depend on the human factor to exist. They contribute to a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases and pollution, allowing the dependence on fossil fuels to be minimised and ensuring energy-environmental sustainability.
Hence, renewable energies constitute an engine for economic, social and technological development. They are at the basis of the promotion of major investments, job creation and regional development, stressing the development of technological and research clusters; the promotion of national agricultural sectors; the creation of infrastructures for water reserves and flood control; the introduction of concerted policies for fire risk reduction; the increase in the working life of landfills. The investments in renewable energies in recent years have made Portugal a world reference in this area, to wit as regards wind energy. Portugal assumed for 2020, in the context of its European commitments, a final energy consumption goal of 31% from renewable sources.
The base of national renewable production is essentially based on the combination of water energy and wind energy. However, the national vision for this sector involves the diversification of the portfolio of renewable energies, being committed to already mature technologies and which may provide a more immediate contribution to the electroproduction system but also in the research and development of technologies and in projects at test stage/demonstration which present the potential for the creation of value in the national economy.
GOALS
AND OBJECTIVES The goals for each of the renewable energy technologies shall be defined in the context of the National Action Plan for Renewable energies (PNAER) which shall be drawn up in coordination with the relevant ministries. At present, Portugal has the following references:
- One of the biggest installed capacities of renewable energy in Europe, with a strong forecast of future growth.
- Since 2007 over 40% of electricity (Hidraulicity Index 1997) originates from renewable energy sources.
- Portugal is currently implementing a strong commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by way of the use of its resources related with water, wind, sun and earth.
- The growth in onshore wind energies and the creation of offshore farms.
- Water plan for dams with high hydroelectric potential with wind energies;
- Increase in the mix of renewable energies – solar, waves and geothermal.
- Water: 30%
- Wind: 30%
- Other Renewables: 8%
- Natural gas: 26%
- Coal: 6%
| Portugal |
2006 |
2010 |
2020 |
| Renewables |
17% |
45% |
60% |
| Fossil fuels |
83% |
55% |
40% |
|
 |
| Portugal |
2006 |
2010 |
2020 |
| Water |
67% |
56% |
44% |
| Wind |
26% |
38% |
45% |
| Other* |
7% |
6% |
11% |
|
* biomass, biogas, geothermal, wave and solar.