According to DBK the renewable energy production market generated, in Portugal, a total revenue of 680 million euro in 2008 representing a growth of almost 33%, when compared to 2007. And if one were to include the revenue of the sector as a whole "including equippment production", the revenue would be considerably higher. The
DBK study emphasizes the extraordinary growth of this sector, over the last years, and the high potential still ahead.
Portugal currently has a total production capacity of 8151MW in renewable energies and plans to upgrade this capacity to over 11000 MW within two years, according to the National Energy Strategy program. Though these objectives may be considered "bold", they have been reviewd and upgraded. Eight new dams will be built and many others will be upgraded. Portugal is transforming clean energies into opportunities.
EDP will expand the capacity of Venda Nova dam, in Vieira do Minho, investing 350 million euro to add an additional hydro-energy capacity of 3000 MW in 2015. The Wind Farm of Malhanito in Tavira, with 29 turbines, representing an investment of 70 million euro, is also set to be built.
New projects may flourish, as experts indentify new possibilities. Experts say that Portugal has a 2500MW generation capacity in offshore wind-energy waiting to be exploited and there are already projects to target this source. Floating wind farms are currently been tested.
With the support of a public program, a large number of investments are also being made by individuals in their homes, installing micro-generation solar panels that will also allow the house owners to heat sanitary waters and to sell to the state electric company the excess of energy created consequently reducing dependency on fossil fuels such as gas. Portugal is, indeed, blessed by sunlight. The total annual sun exposure, in the mainland, varies from 1800 to 3000 hours. This abundant and delightfull sunlight has also inspired the construction of many photovoltaic plants in the country and among them is the Moura photovoltaic power plant – considered one of the world’s largest photovoltaic power plants - with an installed capacity of 46,1 MW.
This commitment with clean energies is boosting investments in R&D and developing a new and innovative industry. Two Portuguese Universities, along with some of the finest companies in the ceramic industry, are developing the “Solar Tiles Project” which aims to produce electricity from solar energy utilising "simple" roof solar tiles "instead of the traditional solar panels".
The Portuguese expertise in the clean energy field extends also to wind towers manufacturing, turbines assembling, photovoltaic and wave energy solutions. The World’s most efficient wind tower is manufactured in Portugal and exported overseas. Portuguese photovoltaic solutions are being installed in foreign markets and increasing excellence levels in this field. Portugal has the most automated solar panels factory and also one of the world’s largest solar panels factory.
Key facts:
Ø World’s most automated solar panels factory and one of the world’s largest solar panels factory are based in Portugal.
Ø Roof solar tiles are being developed
Ø Portuguese company CaetanoBus is developing a full-electric bus.
Ø Portugal is the home of one the world’s largest solar energy plants.
Ø Portugal exported more energy than imported due to hydro and windpower.
Ø Energy sector will create 121 thousand jobs until 2020.