The energy sector in Portugal, and in particular the production of electricity from renewable sources, is currently going through a critical stage. Although the world has already acknowledge the need and the advantages of renewable energies, namely after the choices led by Fukushima and the need to tackle climate change, Portugal is on the edge of giving one step back, that will threaten everything the country has achieved and is internationally recognized for (proven for example by the current interest on the privatization of EDP, for which the main reason appointed is its renewable subsidiary).

After a period of great development, where Portugal achieved ¼ of its electricity from independent producers of electricity from renewable energy sources, a new investment cycle is now needed in order for Portugal to achieve the objectives agreed at European level.

However, the financial crisis has greatly affected Portugal, and the country is currently under the rule of the bailout of the Portuguese Economy by the IMF and European Commission. Indeed the Memorandum of Understandingincludes some recommendations on support schemes for renewable electricity production, which implies the possibility of retroactive changes.

Whilst APREN understands that in the current context austerity measures need to be taken by the Portuguese authorities, we are afraid that the impact of such measures on the development of the renewable energy sector in Portugal, and therefore the country’s economic recovery, was not fully assed. Moreover, the European Commission has highlighted in previous occasions the importance of investor’s confidence and a stable framework, and we ask for nothing more than that.

The current Portuguese energy strategy is focused on an economic rationale, forgetting the other pillars of sustainable development, the fact that energy policy is by definition a long term plan, and the fact that renewable energy already has a significant impact on the econom

Organised jointly by ESHA and the Life Long Learning Academy Technikum Wien, the postgraduate course is now modular. Check out the website or the flyer for more detailed information.

At ESHA we used the summerbreak to do some work behind the scenes. Check out for example our Events section and the new Memberservices!

The British Hydropower Association is delighted to announce its 10th Annual Conference, Out of the Blue, in Glasgow on 2nd & 3rd November 2011. Click here for full details!