Author(s)

C. Borrego, H. Martins, A. Carvalho, A.C. Carvalho, M. Lopes, J. Valente & A. Miranda

Abstract

Energy consumption in Portugal presented an increase of 45% in the last 12 years (1990-2001) and is expected to continue its growth along with gross domestic product (GDP). The electric energy sector is dominated by hydric and thermal production, being the later mainly dependent on coal and a major source of air pollutants. Consistent with the objectives of improving energy efficiency and mitigating environmental problems, Portugal has increased its efforts to diversify energy sources, in particular through the introduction of natural gas. In this scope, three study cases were carried out in order to assess the air quality impacts of the re-conversion and increase capacity of three existing power plants located in the Lisbon metropolitan area, the Porto metropolitan area and in the cen

Keywords