As of 2025, Portugal has made significant strides in its clean energy transition, with more than two-thirds (over 70%) of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. Hydropower contributes to nearly a third of the low-carbon mix, while wind energy delivers a fifth. Interestingly, net imports, which can include a combination of energy types, account for slightly more than 15% of the total. Despite the progress in clean energy, fossil fuels still account for about 14.5% of electricity generation, with natural gas as the dominant fossil source at over 12%. Solar energy is another key component of the clean energy sector and represents nearly 14% of the overall electricity generation, showcasing a balanced mix of clean and fossil sources in Portugal's electricity matrix.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Portugal?
Portugal sees an uptick in its overall electricity consumption, reaching 6056 kWh per person in 2025, which surpasses the previous record set in 2016. This increase, accounting for an additional 225 kWh per person over nine years, suggests a healthy growth trajectory. The growth in low-carbon electricity generation is evident, with the recent numbers standing at 4265 kWh per person, showing an increase of 89 kWh compared to just a year ago. Such growth is vital for sustainability, especially as the demand for cleaner energy alternatives is surging to combat the adverse effects of climate change and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To further augment low-carbon electricity generation, Portugal could focus on expanding its wind and solar capabilities. By looking at successful examples in regions like Denmark and Iowa, which generate 60% and 58% of their electricity from wind energy, Portugal can design policies and infrastructural investments to maximize its wind potential. Additionally, insights can be gleaned from regions with significant solar contributions, such as Nevada, with solar energy delivering 34% of its electricity, and California at 31%. Moreover, adopting a nuclear strategy akin to countries like France, where nuclear power constitutes a robust 67% of the energy mix, could provide a reliable and large-scale clean electricity source. This multifaceted approach, drawing on global examples, promises to position Portugal as a leader in the clean energy revolution.
History
Portugal's history with low-carbon electricity showcases a fluctuating reliance on hydropower. In the late 1970s, particularly in 1977, there was a notable increase with a 5.2 TWh addition from hydro. However, the late 1980s saw declines, such as the significant drop of 6.4 TWh in 1989. A turbulent pattern emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s with both rises and declines, leading to an increase of 7.8 TWh in 2003, followed by a drop of nearly 6 TWh in 2004. The trend continued in the 2010s with notable increases, peaking with an 8.2 TWh rise in 2013, but also experiencing substantial decreases like the 6.6 TWh reduction in 2015 and the 9.3 TWh drop in 2017. The recent years appear to have improved stability with a 6 TWh increase in 2018 and a consistent rise in 2023. Such historical fluctuations underscore the importance of diversifying clean energy sources to ensure steady growth and supply.
