LISBON: The Portuguese state vehicle fleet is to contain 1,200 electric powered vehicles by the end of the decade, returning substantial savings, following the approval of a sustainable mobility programme by the Portuguese cabinet.
The Minister of the Environment Jorge Moreira da Silva told journalists afterwards that this was all about the state setting the example in terms of transportation, within the framework of cutting edge vehicle usage, CO2 emissions and energy consumption levels with the knock on effect of a boost to renewables production and lower bills.
Moreira da Silva said that the programme aimed at ending the logic of one vehicle to one particular position or service and trying to bring about the sharing of transport within geographic areas. The electric vehicle acquisition programme would take place in accordance with “the replacement of fleets and returning guaranteed savings” with the minister putting forward the figure of €50 million in terms of savings through to the end of the decade.
The same cabinet meeting also saw the approval of a ‘Strategic Framework for Climate Policy’ that is to see an inter-ministerial body set up to study issues ranging from coastal erosion to worsening hydric resources. Portugal has a set objective of reducing emissions by 30 to 40 percent by 2030 in relation to 2005 levels, with a 40 percent input from renewables into the final energy consumption mix, meaning that 80 percent of all electricity generated will have to come from such sources.
