PORTUGAL POWERS WHOLE COUNTRY ON RENEWABLE ENERGY

For 107 hours between 7th - 11th May, Portugal ran the entire country on energy from renewable sources. About 22% of the countries energy comes from wind power alone, although hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, solar power and biofuels (which hemp can produce) are also being used.

The renewable energy sector in Portugal is growing rapidly. In 2013 the renewable energy of the county was at 26% but by 2015 this had risen to over 50%. The reason renewables are growing so fast is down to the government investing in this industry as well giving energy producers guaranteed prices for their renewable energy.

Renewable energy is obviously the way forward. We hope that other countries will use this as an example of how successful it can be when governments invest and utilise the technologies available.

Hemp can also help in cutting out our fossil fuel dependancy. It can be grown anywhere in the world, on poor soil and be used as a material for almost anything. This means any plastic product which uses unsustainable fossil fuels can be made from hemp, including sunglasses. The parts the hemp crop which are not used for biofuel can be turned into textiles, building material or food.

Original article by Up Worthy

Image copyright to Inhabitat