This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 11/19/2019

Energy

Overview
During the first half of 2019, renewable energy sources have represented 55.2% of the electricity production mix in mainland Portugal, mainly from wind and hydro energy.  Fossils fuels represented 44.8%, where natural gas reached 18.9%. 
The renewable energy sector continues to be important to the national energy mix but it is still affected by scarce wind and water resources during periods of the year. The Government continues to support renewable energy development by focusing on renewable technologies, such as concentrated solar, photovoltaic (tenders continue to be issued), and wave energy. Portugal aims to have 80% of the electricity production coming from renewable energy by 2030.  Additionally, plans are underway to close two existing coal-fired power plants.
The Portuguese coastline is well-suited to offshore renewable energy solutions.  As a result, there is favorable offshore wind potential in selected areas. Portugal has an offshore pilot zone devoted to the development and installation of renewable energy projects (i.e. offshore wind and ocean energy), from early conception stages to full commercialization stages, accommodate 250 MW.
In April 2016, Portugal received the first shipment of U.S. LNG exported to Europe from the lower-48 states, with more subsequent shipments throughout 2017 and 2018.  The Portuguese industry and government officials have begun to seriously consider how to position the country as a center for U.S. exports onwards to Europe and Africa.   Sines’ deep-water harbor, available storage capacity, rail and maritime links, and status as the closest European LNG port to U.S. shippers in the Gulf of Mexico have lent credibility to the discussion.  Between Portugal and Spain, the Iberian Peninsula possesses roughly one third of Europe’s LNG regasification capacity. 
Leading Sub-Sectors
  • Parts and Systems for Large and Small Hydro Power
  • Controls, Pumps, Valves and Monitors
  • Biomass or Biogas Technology
  • Engineered Parts and Systems
  • Low cost solar water heaters
  • Grid-Connected Solar Kits.
  • LNG Storage Equipment and Technology

Opportunities
The sector is very receptive to advances in technology, which presents opportunities for market entry via collaborative research or partnerships with local companies.
 U.S. products enjoy a good reputation in terms of reliability and high quality. However, purchase decisions are based on a number of factors including cost, availability of financing, after sales service, and technology transfer, among others. Obtaining up to date information on market dynamics is very important, given the fast developing nature of the industry and the constant introduction of new technologies.
The renewable energy sector will continue to be an active sector due to government and EU commitments to reduce oil dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.
Portugal is eager to see U.S. LNG play a major role in Europe’s energy mix, both to improve Europe’s energy security and increase competition.  U.S. exporters involved in natural gas will find increasing opportunities as Portugal continues to be committed to becoming an alternative energy supplier to Europe. Portuguese companies are also looking  for partnerships at all levels.

Web Resources
DGEG - Direcção Geral de Energia e Geologia (Directorate-General for Energy and Geology)
http://www.dgeg.pt/
Associação Portuguesa de Energia (Portuguese Renewable Energy Association)
http://www.apren.pt

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