Syma Tariq (in the Guardian) reckons the UK should be looking to Portugal for an example of how to successfully integrate renewable energy into their lives.
True, this abundance of clean energy hasn't reduced bills (yet) but prices are expected to reach a plateau and start decreasing as more renewables come online. Lisbon residents have seen their own bills rise by nearly 16% in the last 5 years. Compare that with 14% rise in the UK in the same period but what have we got to show for it?
Portugals success lays with its Government - when power companies were unwilling to invest in a grid infrastructure to involve renewables, the Government bought the lines and began making the adaptations themselves.
They also introduced a range of feed-in tariffs which as Syma points out, our Government is trying to get rid of.
Portugal's been hugely successful - they've increased their reliance on green electricity from 17% to 45% in just five years whereas the UK has increased its own by just 3%.
We have a lot of catching up to do.
You can read Syma Tariq's full report by clicking here.
photo credit: pedrosimoes7
That is a good example of renewable energy.
ReplyDeleteWish other countries too followed it.
Hi Haddock and thanks for the comment - I loved your rail travel post. Here's soot in your eye.
ReplyDeleteJonathan.