The Energy Efficiency and Endogenous Energies Programme
In 2001 the Portuguese government launched a new energy policy instrument – the E4 Programme (Energy Efficiency and Endogenous Energies), consisting of a set of multiple, diversified measures aimed at promoting a consistent, integrated approach of energy supply and demand. 
 
The program seeks to upgrade the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and to modernize the country’s social fabric, while preserving the environment by reducing gas emissions, especially the carbon dioxide responsible for change. While in the past five years the main priorities were focused on the introduction of natural gas and liberalization of the energy market, the emphasis for the next eight to ten years will be put on energy efficiency and use of endogenous (renewable) energy.
 
Wind energy

In March 2007, there was a 1,874 MW of wind power generating capacity installed in Portugal, with another 908 MW under construction. In November 2008 the Alto Minho Wind Farm in the Viana do Castelo district became fully operational. At the time of completion it was Europe's largest on-shore wind farm.

Photovoltaic power
In 2007 the large photovoltaic power project Serpa Solar Power Plant was also completed. The plant covers 0.61 km2 and has 52,000 PV panels. The plant provides enough energy for 8.000 homes and will save an estimated 30.000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Not far from there, the Moura photovoltaic power station is under construction. With more than 376.000 solar modules, it will occupy an area of 320 acres producing 88 GWh of electrical energy per year (equivalent to the electricity consumption of 15.000 Europeans).

Geothermal power
In Azores the use of Geothermal energy is very common, with investments in eight of the nine Islands, producing about 235,5 MWt. Geothermal generated from heat stored in the earth, or the collection of absorbed heat derived from underground.

Wave farm
In September 2008 world’s first commercial wave farm, named Aguçadoura Wave Park was opened. It is located five km offshore North of Porto. The giant snake-like structure taps the energy of the waves by channelizing the waters and using them to run the turbines inside. The energy is transformed to the storage units using underwater wiring. Once the 25 additional generators are in place, a saving of 60.000 tons of CO2 every year will be gained.