Portugal has recently started construction on what is to be the largest solar energy collection facility in the world. The project will employ some 52,00 photo voltaic cells when completed, and will pump out 11 megawatts of clean renewable energy. The construction of this plat will cost roughly $70 million US dollars. Tack on a few million for any unforeseen expenses.

When finished, this solar plant will provide enough juice for about 8000 homes. Construction will take place on a southern facing hill side in the southern region of Alentejo. The project is seeing funding from General Electric Financial Services and the renewable energy power company Catavento. It is hoped that this initiative will help to secure a stable energy supply for Portugal in the near distant future. Although Portugal does produce some 3745 barrels of oil a day, that is barely a drop as compared to the 326,500 barrels they consume every day. Compare that to the rest of the world. Globally, we produce roughly 79 million barrels of oil each day, but consume nearly 81 million barrels each day. Ever heard of rationing?

The solar array will be panels that rest about 2 meters off the ground, giving sheep a nice shade in which to graze. This may not provide total crude independence for Portugal, but it is a start.

Take that OPEC!!!