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Portugal has strong environmental credentials for holidaymakers keen to minimise their carbon footprint, with the country now a world leader in renewable energy. A recent ABTA poll revealed that 83 per cent of people consider it important that their holiday does not damage the environment. More than half said they were interested in finding out more about the environmental credentials of their chosen resort before booking a holiday.
Conscious of this, Portugal is forging ahead in its use of renewable energy technology. UK visitors currently constitute 19 per cent of tourist numbers to Portugal, who can now visit the country knowing that the energy resources used on their trip -in hotels, restaurants, resort infrastructure etc– are increasingly from carbon reducing renewable energy sources.
Portugal has already exceeded the EU’s target of achieving 20 per cent of its energy consumption by green, renewable sources by 2020 and it is on track to achieve 45 per cent of all its power from renewable sources by 2010.
Being one of the sunniest countries in Europe, Portugal has invested heavily in capturing solar energy. Three of the world’s biggest solar power plants are being built in Portugal including the world’s largest in Moura, southern Portugal. This solar plant is comprised of 350,000 solar panels spread over an area the size of 150 football pitches.
In addition, Europe’s largest wind farm with 120 wind turbines is currently being constructed in the Minho Valley, northern Portugal. When complete it will supply enough energy for the equivalent of around 12 per cent of Portugal’s energy requirements.
Most recently, taking advantage of its famous coastline, Portugal became the first country to launch a commercial wave power farm. The complex in Povoa do Varzim, northern Portugal, generates power by harnessing energy from the Atlantic Ocean’s waves, using undersea cables to connect the farm to the Portuguese national grid.
Vice President of Turismo de Portugal, Dr Frederico Costa said: “With 220 days of sunshine a year and 800 kilometres of coastline, Portugal boasts some excellent natural advantages for the development of renewable energies. With holidaymakers becoming increasingly concerned about their environmental footprint, Portugal is an excellent destination for those looking for a ‘greener’ holiday option.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
