Industry is one of the most important sectors in the Portuguese economy, accounting for around 20% of GDP. However, industry is also one of the most polluting sectors, accounting for around 26% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing emissions in industry is essential if Portugal is to meet its climate commitments. The country has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
There are several measures that can be implemented to reduce emissions in portuguese industry. These measures can be divided into three main categories:
- Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency is the reduction of energy consumption without reducing production or performance. Energy efficiency can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as modernizing equipment, optimizing processes and using renewable energy sources.
- Transition to renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, wind energy and water energy, do not emit greenhouse gases. The transition to renewable energy sources can help reduce emissions from industry.
- Adoption of emerging technologies: Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can help improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Some specific examples of measures that can be implemented to reduce emissions in Portuguese industry:
- Companies can invest in modernizing old and inefficient equipment. For example, a company that uses old electric motors can replace them with more efficient ones.
- Companies can optimize their production processes. For example, a company that produces steel can reduce energy consumption by optimizing the iron melting process.
- Companies can use renewable energy sources to generate electricity. For example, a company that has a roof can install solar panels to generate electricity.
- Companies can adopt emerging technologies to improve energy efficiency. For example, a company can use artificial intelligence to monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities for improvement.
Implementing measures to reduce emissions in Portuguese industry can bring significant benefits to the country. These measures can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and promote sustainability.
