In our brave new world of applying innovative technologies toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we are beginning to see some historic achievements from nations working toward the goal of “zero emissions.”
This week the honor of achieving zero emissions status goes to Portugal, and it is a well deserved Green Thumbs Up. Last week, reports Science Alert, from Saturday morning, May 7, to Wednesday evening, May 11, the country ran 107 hours straight on renewable energy.
Portugal ran on solar, wind and hydro-electric power, achieving the goal without having to fall back on power sourced from coal or natural gas. Portugal’s big win comes a week after Germany hit a milestone of its own, saying the country had produced so much renewable energy on one particularly sunny, windy Sunday it actually had a surplus.
The United Kingdom also joined the elite zero emissions club last week when the Guardian reported the UK had reached zero electricity generated from coal-fired power plants several times, based on grid reports. Calling it an “historic turning point,” green energy supporters said the data showed that no energy from coal-fired plants was used from late on Monday night and for the early hours of Tuesday morning last week.
Portugal’s ZERO System Sustainable Land Association has been working in collaboration with the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN), and by all indications, the country has come a long way in embracing renewables.
“These data show that Portugal can be more ambitious in a transition to a net consumption of electricity from 100 percent renewables, with huge reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases, which cause global warming and consequent climate change,” reads a statement on the ZERO website.
Green Thumb Up is a recurring feature that focuses on the environment and how we can lead more sustainable and eco-friendly lives. In a previous Green Thumbs Up, we featured a company that is working to save the sturgeon, in Abu Dhabi, no less. Be sure to read about this remarkable feat.
