Portugal Makes Waves in Alternative Energy

In this article, the coastal country is fast becoming an enthusiastic leader in drawing power from the sea, the wind, and the sun. Portugal's sunny climate and picturesque coastline have long been a magnet for tourists. But now, those natural attractions are drawing a different kind of attention. From solar photovoltaics to electricity generation from wind and ocean waves, some of the world's most ambitious and innovative renewable-energy projects are taking shape in this historically poor country of 10.5 million on Europe's western rim. Cylindrical floating generators built by a Scottish company, Ocean Power Delivery, are expected to provide enough power to supply 1,500 households. The facility will be operated by Enersis, a unit of Semapa, a Portuguese developer of hydroelectric and wind-generation projects. To encourage such projects, the Portuguese government is providing incentives ranging from R&D grants to preferential tariffs for electricity generated from renewable sources.