04-05-06
Portugal's sunny climate and picturesque
coastline have long been a magnet for tourists. But now, 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 historically poor country of 10.5 mm on Europe's western
rim.
In a farming region 125 miles southeast of Lisbon, General Electric's (GE) GE
Energy Financial Services unit is teaming up with PowerLight, a Berkeley
[California]-based solar-electric equipment maker, to build the world's largest
photovoltaic-generation project. The $ 75 mm project, announced on Apr. 27,
calls for construction of an 11- MW power plant that will start operating next
January, producing enough energy to light and heat 8,000 homes.
The Portuguese government is expected to award a contract this summer for the
construction of more than $ 1.3 bn worth of wind turbines around the country,
enough to provide power for 750,000 homes. And the world's first commercial
"wave farm," which will generate electricity from ocean waves, is expected to
start operation later this year off Portugal's northern coast.
Creating resources
Cylindrical floating generators built by a Scottish company, Ocean Power
Delivery, are expected to provide enough power to supply 1,500 households. The
facility will be operated by Enersis, a unit of Semapa, a Portuguese developer
of hydroelectric and wind-generation projects. These and other facilities --
including a planned new hydroelectric dam on the Sabor river -- reflect
Portugal's push to reduce its dependence on the imports that now supply 86 % of
the country's energy needs.
“Portugal doesn't have the luxury of having conventional resources" such as oil,
gas, and coal to generate electricity, says Andrew Scott, an Ocean Power
Delivery engineer who's overseeing the wave project. "But it does have some very
good renewable resources."
Generating electricity from the sun, wind, and waves also can help Portugal
curtail greenhouse-gas emissions.
Because of the country's rapid economic development after its 1986 entry into
the European Union, emissions increased almost 37 % from 1990 to 2003, one of
the fastest growth rates in the world. GE and PowerLight estimate that their
photovoltaic project will reduce annual greenhouse-gas emissions by 30,000 tons.
Not alone
To encourage such projects, the Portuguese government is providing incentives
ranging from R&D grants to preferential tariffs for electricity generated from
renewable sources. For example, the operators of the ocean-wave farm will
collect more than 25 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity they supply to
utility companies -- more than four times the rate for electricity generated
from conventional sources.
Many European countries, facing record-high fuel prices and concerns over global
warming, are enacting similar measures. For now, few if any of
Portugal'salternative energy projects would be economically feasible without
government help. But generating costs will come down as new technologies are
tested and made more efficient.
A sight to see?
And the projects' developers say they're on board for the long haul.
"We hope this project clearly demonstrates that solar energy is a promising
alternative power source that should be freed from roadblocks," said Sergio
Costa, co-CEO of Portuguese alternative-energy group Cataventa, announcing plans
for the photovoltaic plant. Cataventa developed the project and is providing
management services.
Sunshine and scenery will remain the big attractions for most people visiting
Portugal.
But maybe soon they'll consider adding a visit to a state-of-the-art renewable
energy plant to their sightseeing itinerary.
Source: www.builderonline.com