Country profile - Future developments (Portugal)

The Portuguese economy is currently undergoing a process of structural adjustment, reflecting the adaptation to globalisation. This process has been particularly influenced by the growth in emerging economies on the global market, as well as by increasing energy costs[1]. The tourism sector is expected to grow, although there is an uncertainty regarding the potential impact of climate change, especially in the south of the country. Other sectors that are expected to grow are the pulp and paper and chemical/petrochemical industries.

Major infrastructural investments have been planned in Portugal, such as the new Lisbon airport, an additional bridge over the Tagus River in Lisbon and a new high-speed train connection between Lisbon and Madrid. These are presently being evaluated as part of the new Stability and Growth Package recently submitted to Brussels.

In the energy sector, there are improvements planned at several hydroelectric power plants which should increase production to 910 MW in 2015. A further 10 new hydroelectric power plants are planned to be completed by 2020, providing an extra 1 100 MW. Portugal also has EU commitments relating to renewable energy capacities which it is expected to meet in 2010: wind 5 800 MW; biomass 150 MW; solar 150 MW; waves (pilot plant) 250 MW and biogas 100 MW. A new energy strategy was announced in March 2010[2], with its basis in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector, and setting new goals for 2020.

Following the adoption of the climate and energy package in December 2008, Portugal committed to a maximum increase of its greenhouse gas emissions by 1 % until 2020 against 2005 levels for non-ETS sectors (e.g. buildings, road transport and farming).

In the coming years, more efforts will be needed to address the issue of sustainable transport. A strategy for achieving national targets for blended fuels in transport, which has already been approved, aims to promote the use of biofuels in the transport sector.