To the Editor:
The energy transition is a huge undertaking consisting of three simultaneous endeavors: the conversion of fossil fuel based electrical generation to renewable sources (primarily solar and wind), the conversion of fossil fuel-based energy usage to electricity (transportation, industrial processes and heating are examples) and the expansion of energy production to meet growing demand (think AI or bigger TVs). To meet this challenge countries around the globe are breaking records for increasing renewable energy production while decoupling their economies from fossil fuels. It’s a wonder to behold.
Several countries are already at or near 100% renewable electricity. Costa Rica, Paraguay, Albania, Norway, and Iceland all fall into this category. Until recently hydroelectric and geothermal energy have been the main contributors. Recent gains stem from the build out of wind and solar. By 2030 New Zealand, Austria, Denmark, and Estonia are all expected to be at or near 100%. A growing list of nations are not far behind.
Portugal, a country about the size of Maine has 10.6 million people. It is considered a developed country. However, with a GDP ranked 19th out of the 27 EU nations, it is not wealthy. Like many economically struggling places the energy transition provides a path to reduce energy costs and improve national cash flow. Importing all its oil, natural gas and coal, the sooner it can move to renewables the sooner Portugal can stop sending its limited cash abroad. Portugal’s policy is based on the idea “why pay for energy from somewhere else when we can make it cheaper at home?” A question that needs to be asked by any region economically struggling that imports energy.
Renewable energy production in Portugal has grown from 34% in 2006 to 71% today. Wind and hydroelectricity provide 27% and 28% respectively. Solar provides 10% and biomass, 6%. Portugal has even built the first commercial wave energy plant. Cool stuff. Natural gas usage for electricity production has dropped to a level not seen since 1979. Working towards 85% renewable electricity by 2030 Portugal is concurrently transitioning its vehicle fleet to electricity with 25% of the new car market now new energy vehicles (full electric at 16% and plug in hybrids at 10%). A sunny region with significant solar resources Portugal may one day transition from net energy importer to exporter. Now that’s progress.
Scott Shipley
Hermon