2017-07-04

After mini-hydro and wind, photovoltaic solar energy could become the third wave of the renewable energy revolution in Portugal. By 2020, the established power in the country promises to grow three times up to 900 megawatts.

Portugal has been one of the most enthusiastic countries regarding renewable energies. In 2015, 28% of the energy consumed was produced by renewable sources, compared to 19.2% in 2004. The amount consumed through renewable energy is the eighth highest among European countries and the fifth highest between countries that share the euro, being Portugal’s target for 2020 set at 31%.

In addition, in May 2016, the country used only renewable energy for four consecutive days and was able to supply the country's electricity grid without any carbon emissions relying only on wind, water and solar energy.

Regarding solar energy, Portugal has a strong potential, boosting an annual average of 2,200 to 3,000 hours of sun in the mainland, making it the European country with most hours of sun exposure.

Today, the established solar power in Portugal is of 299,89 MW. This represents a 484% increase compared to the 62 MW installed in 2008. The Moura solar park with its established 46MW and an annual production of 93 GW is the biggest in Portugal.

However, in 2016, despite the fact that renewable sources represented 58% of the electricity generated in Portugal, still, more than 30% of the renewable quota was achieved by the electricity generated by large-scale hydro power plants (with more than 10 MW of capacity), continuing solar energy very far from what could be its potential in the country, representing only 1% of the energy produced.

Given that evidence, the Government has already begun to reverse this trend with the issuing of licenses to build around 400 central MW. In addition, the establishment  costs of a solar power plant in Portugal has decreased by 80% compared to 2008, being expected that by 2020 the capacity in the country will be 900 MW and by 2030, it will increase to 2,871 MW.

As a result of these changes, the construction of 15 new solar plants is currently being planned. The largest investment will take place at Alcoutim with  the installation of the largest solar power plant in Portugal with 220 MW, and an estimated cost of 200 million euros, led by the international consortium China Triumph International Engineering Co. group and its Irish partner WELink.

 

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