Alternative energy in EU - lessons from Portugal

EU is trying to reduce its dependence of fossil energies, assure alternative energy sources, and increase its energy security. It leads a global energy transition, which involves a considerable change in consumption/production profiles, energy market, transit and security supply. Portugal has been pointed as a good case of European politics: since 2006 it reduced 12% its external dependence, betting on renewable energies (+35%), and quadrupled electricity production from renewable energy fonts. In a global insecure context it can became a strategic country in energy issues. Keywords: European Union, Portugal, energy policy, renewable energy