Portogallo, corsa alle rinnovabili - Presadiretta - 05/09/2022

Summary

Portugal is leading the way in renewable energy, with impressive advancements in solar, wind, and hydropower. The country has achieved a significant milestone by producing all its electricity from renewable sources for a month, and plans to reach 80% renewable energy by 2026. Portugal's innovation extends to floating solar panels and offshore wind farms, which provide stable and efficient energy. The government is also working towards a carbon-free future by 2035, with ambitious projects that aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and transform the country into a leader in clean energy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Portugal is a leader in renewable energy, producing 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, and aims for 100% renewables in the long term.
• 🌬️ Wind energy plays a crucial role in Portugal's renewable energy mix, with the country being the second-largest producer of wind energy in Europe after Denmark.
• 💡 Portugal has become a pioneer in innovative renewable energy technologies, such as floating solar panels and offshore wind farms.
• 🚢 Floating solar panels have been installed in reservoirs, generating energy without disrupting the landscape or ecosystem, increasing efficiency compared to land-based panels.
• 🌊 Portugal is also exploring energy from ocean waves, with technology that converts wave motion into stable, reliable electricity.
• ⚡ Portugal has implemented a competitive auction for floating solar power, marking Europe’s first such competition, targeting 260 megawatts of solar energy in hydropower reservoirs.
• 🛑 Portugal is phasing out fossil fuels, with the closure of the last two coal-fired plants, signaling a commitment to clean energy.
• 🌞 Lisbon is a model of green urban planning, with electric vehicles, solar-powered public buildings, and low-emission zones contributing to a sustainable future.
• 🏙️ Lisbon's efforts include solar installations on municipal buildings, with surplus energy being used to reduce electricity costs for low-income neighborhoods.
• 🌍 Portugal aims to reach 80% renewable energy by 2026, four years ahead of the original target, through simplification of the permitting process and innovative legislation.

Q & A

What role does Portugal play in renewable energy production in Europe?

Portugal is a leader in renewable energy production, having reached new records in Europe. The country generates 60% of its electricity from renewable sources and has completely moved away from fossil fuels, closing its last two coal-fired power plants.

How did Portugal manage to produce all its electricity from renewable sources in March?

In March, Portugal produced all of its electricity from renewable sources, a significant achievement. This is not the first time it has happened, as the country consistently generates 60% of its electricity from renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydropower.

What is the significance of the floating solar plant in Portugal?

The floating solar plant in Portugal is a major technological advancement, combining solar energy with existing hydropower infrastructure. It generates 30% of the domestic energy needs of the region and uses the water's cooler temperature to increase efficiency, while also reducing water evaporation.

How does floating solar technology work in Portugal's energy grid?

The floating solar panels in Portugal are anchored to the water without foundations, using an elastic cable system to keep them stable. This allows the panels to gather more light and operate more efficiently than land-based solar panels, due to cooler water temperatures and the effects of wind.

What other renewable energy innovations are being developed in Portugal?

In addition to floating solar power, Portugal is also advancing floating wind turbines, positioned 20 kilometers off the coast, where they can harness stronger winds. These turbines are much larger than land-based turbines and have proven to withstand severe ocean storms.

What is the potential impact of floating wind turbines in Portugal's energy strategy?

Floating wind turbines could significantly reduce the need for numerous onshore turbines, as each floating turbine can generate the same energy as two land-based turbines. This reduces the land footprint and minimizes visual and environmental impacts.

Why is Italy's renewable energy market considered difficult, according to Portugal's energy officials?

According to energy officials in Portugal, Italy has a great renewable energy potential, but the market is held back by long approval processes and bureaucratic hurdles. This makes it difficult to develop renewable energy projects in a timely manner.

How is Portugal addressing the bureaucratic challenges in renewable energy development?

Portugal is tackling these challenges by simplifying and streamlining authorization procedures, introducing new legislative frameworks to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and increase the country's capacity to meet its energy goals.

What are Portugal's long-term energy goals?

Portugal's long-term goal is to achieve 100% renewable energy, aiming to do so without relying on natural gas. The country plans to reach 80% renewable energy by 2026, advancing its target by four years.

What are the potential economic benefits of Portugal's renewable energy shift?

The transition to renewable energy presents a major industrial opportunity for Portugal, particularly in Southern Europe, where abundant renewable resources can drive economic growth and create new job opportunities in green technologies.