March was a red-letter month in terms of the production of renewable energy in Portugal. For the first time it exceeded consumption. Environmentalists are ecstatic.
The “unprecedented” achievement translates into the production of 4,812 GWh (Portugal’s energy consumption is 4,647 GWh).
In percentage terms, renewable sources provided 103.6% of the country’s needs. They also “saved” 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide that would have been emitted into the atmosphere if the energy had been generated in plants powered by coal or natural gas, Association Zero’s president Francisco Ferreira told RTP – stressing that Portugal is now definitely on track to guarantee all electrical production via renewables by 2040.
“Fundamental” in this is is the truth “in terms of price” that this energy will mean for “Iberian market” (everyday consumers). It will “guarantee a lower day-to-day rate”, said Ferreira.
In a joint statement with REN power providing network, Zero said the data, beyond marking history in the Portuguese electrical sector shows the viability, safety and reliability of renewable energy.
“In the space of a month we were able to produce 3.6% more electricity through renewable sources, principally hydric, 55 %, and eolic (wind), 42%, than assured consumption of these sources”, Ferreira continued – stressing this is not just an extremely important record for Portugal, but one that is relevant on a global scale.
The way ahead is to ensure that investments in renewable energy sources continue, he said, particularly when it comes to the decarbonisation of the country’s transport network.
Ironically, this eureka moment comes as the government is poised to allow oil companies to start drilling throughout Portugal, on land (click here) and at sea (click here), seemingly oblivious to the arguments that the future lies in the production of renewable energies.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
