Energy Efficiency and Endogenous Energies (E4) Programme

The former E4 Programme (Energy Efficiency and Endogenous Energies) launched in 2001, established goals concerning the exploitation of renewable energy sources (RES) for power (and thermal) generation, which were consistent with the EU Directive on renewable electricity (2001/77/CE), under which Portugal has to aim to deliver 39 % (including large hydro) of its gross electricity consumption by 2010. The current energy policy framework is in line with the E4 Programme and, for some RES, the Portuguese government has set even more ambitious targets for 2010, namely: wind power: 3 750 MW (currently ~300 MW) photovoltaics: 150 MWp (currently ~2 MW). The initiatives (legislation, incentive schemes) introduced in 2001/2002, aiming at stimulating the market (private investors), not only for RES electricity, but also for CHP, solar thermal use and building energy efficiency, are underway. These are namely: Decree-Law defining the conditions regulating the awarding and management of grid interconnection points for Independent Power Producers (IPP). Decree-Law establishing a range of favourable feed-in tariffs for RES electricity. Decree-Law regulating the delivery of electrical energy into the low-voltage grid (micro-generators, including PV). National programme for supporting wide diffusion of solar water heating. National programme on building energy efficiency. Adapting or broadening the scope of financial incentives for energy efficiency and use of endogenous energies in the framework of the POE/PRIME Programme (Operational Programme for Economical Development). This legislation was surpassed in 2003 by Cabinet Resolution No. 63/2003.

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