Portugal to open electric vehicle network in 2011

Imported fossil fuel dependent Portugal plans to replace 10 percent of all vehicles with electric cars by 2020, to cut imports and help manage variable supply from a rapidly growing wind power industry.

"In the first half of 2011 in Portugal we will have a national network to charge these vehicles, it will be possible to go through the whole country without problems of charging electric vehicles," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the European Future Energy Forum in London.

The MOBI.E charging network -- 51 controlled by Energias de Portugal -- will include 1,300 normal and 50 fast charging stations at shopping centers, car parks, petrol stations and hotels in 25 towns and cities around Portugal.

The open system of charging points will be compatible with all electric vehicle brands, including electric motorbikes and heavy goods vehicles when they become available.

Portugal is hoping wide use of electric cars can slash imports of fuels and help absorb some of the extra green electricity that will be generated over the next few decades.

With plans to increase its wind power capacity from around 5 gigawatts by the end of 2010 to 8.50 GW by 2020, Portugal's isolation from the rest of continental Europe because of a lack of grid connections between Spain and France is a big problem.

Construction of power lines across the Pyrenees to France has been delayed for years, trapping vast amounts of renewable energy output in the Iberian Peninsula. nLDE68R11Q

"This is perhaps the main fragility of Europe now to be competitive in the world," Zorrinho said. "The energy networks are not developed and it's not possible to have an internal energy market ... there are physical barriers."

Lisbon is offering 5,000 euros ($6,951) to buyers of the first 5,000 EVs sold in Portugal, with further tax breaks and old combustion engine trade in values adding another 2,300 euros.

The high price of electric vehicles compared to petrol and diesel fueled cars is a major obstacle to EV sales in other European countries.

But very high taxes on conventional cars in Portugal means subsidized EVs are only slightly more expensive than their carbon-emitting competitors, making EVs an attractive option for consumers.

SOLAR SUPPORT

Portugal has one of the largest solar power sectors in the world, supported by big government incentives, but unlike Spain and Germany which are looking to trim support for solar projects, Lisbon has no plans to slash subsidies.

"We have no plans to cut ... It is crucial to develop this sector," Zorrinho said. "We will maintain all the commitments that we have with the industry."

He said financial support for existing projects was assured, but that as technology costs fall less support should be needed to make solar power competitive in future.

Bebe hopes to copy Ronaldo

Copy Ronaldo

New Manchester United signing Bebe is hoping to emulate compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's achievements at Old Trafford. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up the little-known 20-year-old striker from Vitoria Guimaraes last week for a reported fee of £7million. Ferguson admitted Bebe is the first player he has signed without either first seeing him in action or watching videos of his performances following interest from Real Madrid and a number of top clubs in Portugal. However, the player himself has no doubts about his ability to make the grade in the Premier League. "To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," he declared. "The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me. "You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club. "I want to become like them and I will work hard to become a top quality player." Speaking about the swift transfer deal, Ferguson explained: "You've got to trust your staff at times and our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly. "So were one or two other clubs and that's where you have to make quick decisions in life and I'm not too bad about that. I also spoke to (former assistant and now Portugal coach) Carlos Queiroz about him. "Sometimes you have to go on an instinct, you look at material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play and things like that."

(source:sportbox.tv)

Manchester United sign unknown 20-year old Portuguese Bebe

Manchester United manager,

revealed that he went totally out of his way to sign the young striker from Portugal, Tiago Correia, better known as Bebe. The 20-year old is the 3^rd signing for Manchester United this season. He was signed for 7 million pounds. Manchester United made use of a release clause in his contract with Vitoria Guimaraes.

The transfer is no ordinary one, and is full of remarkable little stories.  Bebe spent a lot of time on the streets of Portugal and played for a team that was put together by CAIS, the organization that puts together the homeless team for Portugal.

He later signed with Vitoria and after just 5 weeks made his way to Manchester United. He was picked out by the Portugal based scout of Manchester United. He was also heavily recommended by the former right hand of Sir Alex Ferguson Carlo Queiroz, who is now the coach of the national team of Portugal.

No one knew anything about Bebe a year ago, when he played for the 3^rd division team in Portugal named Amadora.  Since then a number of top clubs in Europe including Real Madrid started to ask around about the young talent. Ferguson decided to act fast and despite having seen him play the United manager decided to take his former assistant’s word and signed the 20-year old.

Sir Alex Ferguson said that he has not seen him play, and he has never done this in the past.  He said that normally he gets to see numerous videos but he admitted that it was just his instinct to sign him and hopes that it pays off well. He said that his Portugal Scout was insistent that if we don’t sign him some other club will, so we had to act fast and Ferguson said that whatever he has heard till now is very impressive and he cannot wait to see him in action.

He said when we sign a player, it’s the pace talent and agility of the player that are observed. Ferguson said that for the first time that he has put his faith in word of mouth and hopes that he was right.

He said the he discussed it with the club’s CEO David Gill, and he decided to go to Portugal and make the deal final.

It is not sure when he will make his debut for the team, it is expected that Bebe would have to wait till the 3^rd round Carlin Cup match to put on the red of United for the senior team.

Considering Bebe’s biggest game so far has been a cup tie against Benfica, it certainly is a fairy tale story and all would be waiting to see how he performs for the Red Devils. Many have already started to make comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo as he also came to United when he was an unknown young player. He matured into world’s best player, but it is unfair to make such comparisons. That is what happened with Nani and although he has held his own, he has not been able to match his compatriot by a distance.

Bebe, when asked by reporters of what he can do, had a very simple and honest answer, he said he is fast, can kick the ball quiet well, and can also score goals. Well if he can live up to the simple promise it would be worth the 7 million spent by Ferguson.

(source:blogs.bettor.com/)

Bebe to follow Ronaldo's footsteps

Manchester United,

new-boy Bebe has set himself the target of emulating fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo.

As Ronaldo ended up being crowned world footballer of the year during his time at Old Trafford, it is a fairly stiff test, but - it could be argued - Bebe has already won his biggest battle, dragging himself away from the streets to get picked up by one of the world's most glamorous clubs, so anything else is easy.

The 20-year-old said: "You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club. I want to become like them and I will work hard to become a top quality player."

He added: "To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player. The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me."

Bebe became Ferguson's third summer signing last week when he joined in a £7million deal after United triggered a release clause in his contract with Vitoria Guimaraes.

It was a transfer full of remarkable footnotes, not least the fact Bebe used to play for a team organised by CAIS, the organisation responsible for Portugal's Homeless World Cup Team.

He then ended up joining United after spending only five weeks with Vitoria, having been highlighted by U

"On this occasion I didn't watch him," admitted the United boss. "It is the first time I have done it. Normally I see plenty of video footage but our scouting department is very good and sometimes you have to go on instinct.

nited's Portugal-based scout and gained a glowing recommendation from former United assistant manager and current Portugal national team boss Carlos Queiroz.

Bebe was virtually unknown 12 months ago as he turned out for Portugal third division team Estrela Amadora. But with Real Madrid and a number of top clubs in Portugal starting to take a keen interest, Ferguson decided to make a move, even though he had never seen the striker play, even on video.

"Our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly. You got to trust your staff at times, so I sent David Gill down there to do the deal."

Moutinho gets Portugal nod for China friendly

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has added Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho to his squad for this week's international friendly against China.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has made 25 appearances and scored one goal for Portugal, was named in the squad after Sporting beat FC Porto 3-0 in a league match late Sunday.

Queiroz had said he might increase his squad after the weekend matches. The squad now has 18 players.

Portugal meets China at Coimbra, in central Portugal, on Wednesday.

Portugal is drawn Group G for this year's World Cup, along with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.


Source:usatoday.com/

Fly to Portugal

$549 ROUND TRIP TO PORTUGAL
The buy Accord Tours has a seat sale with Air Transat to Portugal.
The savings If you depart Toronto in May on flights to Lisbon, Oporto or Faro and return on or before July 30, you pay $549 per person, $500 less than return flights later in the summer.
The catch Fees and taxes of $267 are not included.
Why it's worth it With flights to three different regions, the program is designed for those visiting relatives or tourists who want to explore the wine regions in the north, Algarve's golf and beaches, or the lively capital of Lisbon.
Book it Through a travel agent. For more information, visit www.accordtours.com.

EUROSTAR TICKETS FROM $146
The buy After a run of bad publicity over the holidays when trains were stuck under the English Channel and many Eurostar services between London and Paris and Brussels were cancelled, Rail Europe is looking to lure back passengers with special one-way and round-trip fares for those booking tickets in the Leisure Select class.
The savings 20 per cent off the regular price with fares beginning at $146 one way and $270 round-trip.
The catch You must book by March 31 for travel from March 16 to Aug. 31. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Why it's worth it With enhanced security at airports now requiring passengers to arrive several hours before their flights, Euro-star offers a hassle-free alternative. At speeds of up to 300 kilometres an hour, the train connects London to Paris in two hours and 15 minutes and London to Brussels in one hour and 51 minutes. Leisure Select tickets offer reclining seats, with service at your seat, including a three-course meal and glass of wine.
Book it Visit www.raileurope.ca.

A NEW HYATT IN CLEARWATER
The buy The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is celebrating its grand opening with a special rate.
The savings 15 per cent off the Hyatt Daily Rate, which starts at about $300, plus a $50 (U.S.)
daily resort credit.
The catch The deal is available through April 30; the starting rate some days in March is above $400.
Why it's worth it This resort area has long been known for its great beaches, but it has had few high-end hotels. The new hotel is the centrepiece of Beach Walk, a $30-million revitalization project with shopping and dining. It's also ideal for Blue Jays fans who want to take in a spring training game in nearby Dunedin.
Book it Call 1-800-233-1234 and use offer code CBINTR or visit www.clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com.

Source:theglobeandmail.com/