Europe / Caspian / CIS
Country profile: Portugal
| Location: | Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain |
| Climate: | maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south |
| Terrain: | mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south |
| Size: | 92391 sq. km total (Land area: 91951 sq. km Water area: 440 sq.km) |
| Population: | 10,676,910 (July 2008 est.) |
| Languages: | Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally used) |
| Government: | republic; parliamentary democracy |
| Capital city: | Lisbon |
| Legal system: | based on civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations |
| Currency: | euro (EUR) |
| Licensing: |
Country profile
Both Spain and Portugal have been members of the European Union (EU) since 1986. EU membership has led to an increased standard of living and economic growth in the Iberian Peninsula and billions of dollars worth of EU structural funds flowing into the two countries. Nevertheless, both countries continue to face economic challenges. Spain's unemployment rate remains stubbornly high, while Portugal has repeatedly exceeded the EU's limits on budget deficits. Economic growth spurred by EU membership has led to increases in energy consumption. For example, Spain's energy demand has increased over 100 percent since the mid-1970s.
The Iberian Peninsula has limited energy resources, so both Spain and Portugal must depend upon imports for the bulk of their energy needs. Attempts to develop domestic energy sources, though, have focused on hydropower and renewables. Both countries have also sought greater integration of the Iberian energy sector through policy coordination and infrastructure projects. The two announced in 2001 that they would create a single Iberian electricity market without limits on transnational ownership or market participation. However, repeated delays have pushed implementation of this market, called Mibel, until October 2007.
Energy production and consumption
| Oil | Gas | |
| Production: | 9,500 bbl/day (2006 est.) | |
| Consumption: | 305,800 bbl/day (2006 est.) | 3 billion cu m (2006) |
| Exports: | 43,070 bbl/day (2004 est.) | |
| Imports: | 361,300 bbl/day (2004 est.) | 4 billion cu m (2006) |
| Reserves: | ||
| Major fields: |
Portugal - recent news
| 17 Jun 26 |
Portugal: BNZ consolidates its presence in Portugal with its second photovoltaic plant in Northern Portugal BNZ, a Next-Generation IPP (independent power producer) that develops, builds, and operates renewable energy projects, has inaugurated its second solar photovoltaic plant in northern Portugal. |
| 14 May 26 |
Portugal: Iberdrola begins commissioning of the Tâmega Complex wind-hydroelectric megaproject Iberdrola is consolidating its leadership in renewable energy with the commissioning of the Tâmega Norte wind farm, located between Braga and Vila Real, in the Portuguese municipalities of Cabeceiras de Basto and Montalegre. It is the first of two wind farms that form part of the Tâmega Complex. It is the first grid-connected wind-hydro hybrid project on the Iberian Peninsula. |
| 11 May 26 |
Portugal: Electrification can strengthen Portugal’s energy security and economic resilience Portugal is making strong progress in transforming its electricity system, underpinned by range of energy technologies, but further efforts are needed across multiple sectors to realise its ambitious targets, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency. |
| 25 Feb 26 |
Portugal: Exus Renewables to acquire stake in Masdar’s Portuguese wind portfolio Exus Renewables, a leading global energy solutions provider, has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, to acquire a 60 percent stake in a portfolio of nine wind farms in Portugal. Masdar will retain a 40 percent stake in the portfolio. |
| 30 Oct 25 |
Portugal: OWC and Hidromod engaged for Portuguese wind farm areas The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has appointed ABL Group company OWC and Hidromod to support the geophysical and geotechnical surveys at two wind farm areas offshore Portugal. |
Portugal - more news
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- Tajikistan,
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