well i'm a brit sooo... if I go to the expense required - why not the rural USA? Why not El Salvador?

Basically, whoever provides your energy - owns you.

Madeira receives artificially cheap hydrocarbons from the mainland, they are a well-meaning vassal, at best, until that changes. An SMR would take a decade to make real. Renewables are ersatz technology.

I have more questions than answers, that's all I'm saying. It's a beautiful place, and works as a practical compromise for many, espeically those with free movement from Eurpoe.

For what they want, assuming they are to be taken seriously at their word - less talk more action. A business hub is superb - it's not a free economy.