ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN PORTUGAL

Portugal's diverse and beautiful geography coupled with its sunny climate, has for many years been a magnet for tourists of varied interests. Now however, those natural attractions are drawing a different kind of attention. From solar photovoltaics to electricity generation from wind and ocean waves, some of the world's most ambitious and innovative renewable-energy projects are taking shape in this country of 10.5 million on Europe's western rim.

With oil and gas prices at record highs and Portugal’s need to import 86% of its energy needs through oil, gas and coal, coupled with an increase in demand currently running at 6% per year, Portugal's Prime Minister, José Sócrates, has declared that, by 2010, 45% of all power should come from renewable sources.

Anyone visiting Central Portugal cannot help but notice the growing number of wind turbines being erected, in line with the government’s award of a contract worth $1.3 billion that will provide enough power for 750,000 homes. With Portugal also having the most abundant sunlight hours in Europe (up to 3,300), the worlds largest solar energy station was opened in April. The Central Solar de Serpa (CSS), located in the region of Alentejo, will generate clean energy for some 8,000 households. This however will soon be dwarfed by the nearly completed $338 million Moura solar energy station, which covering 114 hectares, will produce 62 million Watts of power and reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 87,500 tons.

Portugal has also become the worlds pioneer in the tapping of the oceans wave energy with the opening the first wave power plant in Agucadoura, on Portugal’s north coast. Although the technology is relatively untested and currently only supplying a modest 2.25 MW of energy, Enersis, the renewable energy company operating the facility, hope to attain their target of providing power to 350,000 homes.

With all the aspirations of the Portuguese Government related to alternative energy, it is not surprising that many now looking to relocate or acquire holiday homes in central Portugal are considering installation of domestic solar water, wind and photovoltaic systems. With domestic electric supply costs relatively high when compared to the average national income, there are a growing number of suppliers and installers throughout the region. As a part of current Portugese building regulations it is also now a requirement to install renewable technology.