Energy changes in Portugal

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the major changes in energy systems in Portugal during the last century, highlighting the changes that have taken place in recent decades. The relationship between energy production and consumption, the importance of the energy policy framework in reducing fossil fuel dependence, the increase in sustainable energy consumption through the use of renewable energy, and the consequent lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, are also analysed.Portugal in recent decades has had a high energy dependence, which increased from 60% at the beginning of the 1960s to over 80% during the 1990s and the early years of the 21st century. However the recent focus on renewable energy, mainly hydraulic and wind power generation has enabled the country to slightly reduce the hydrocarbon imports. Portugal is nowadays considered one of the most dynamic European countries in terms of development of renewable energy.