Renewable energy supplies 71% of consumption in Portugal

Portugal reached a significant achievement in 2024, with renewable energy accounting for 71% of the country's electricity consumption. This milestone was driven by robust growth in renewable installations and favorable weather conditions.

Renewable production hit a record 36.7 TWh, the highest in the national grid’s history, reflecting an ongoing shift from fossil fuels. The total electricity consumption for the year was 51.4 TWh, marking a 1.3% increase from 2023 and the second-highest annual consumption ever recorded.

Key Contributions to Renewable Energy Production:

• Hydropower: Contributed 28%, with a 24% increase in production compared to last year.

• Wind Energy: Contributed 27%, maintaining strong productivity (1.06), above the historical average.

• Solar Power: Saw a 37% growth, reaching 10% of total consumption—its highest contribution ever.

• Biomass: Contributed 6% to the national electricity mix.

While hydropower production was lower towards the year’s end, its overall productivity remained positive at 1.16, above the historical average.

Decline in Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy, primarily from natural gas, dropped to 5.1 TWh, the lowest level since 1979, and accounted for just 10% of total consumption. This reflects the increasing dominance of renewable energy and a rise in electricity imports, which peaked at 10.5 TWh.

Natural Gas Market Decline

Natural gas consumption in Portugal fell 17% in 2024, totaling 40.5 TWh—the lowest since 2003. The electricity generation from natural gas saw a 56% decrease, in line with a broader downward trend, while conventional consumption saw a slight 2% increase.

Future Outlook

Portugal’s energy transition is progressing swiftly, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy. The next challenge is to sustain the growth of renewables while maintaining grid stability, ensuring a sustainable energy future.

source: portal-energia