In 2025, Portugal is generating more than 70% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, showcasing a significant commitment to clean energy. Hydropower accounts for nearly a third, while wind contributes more than 23%. An important fraction, over 16%, comes from net imports, which can include low-carbon sources from neighboring countries. On the downside, fossil fuels, specifically gas, still make up just over 13% of the electricity mix, indicating room for improvement. Solar power is responsible for more than 10% of Portugal's electricity, showing a promising area for expansion. Biofuels provide a modest contribution of around 5%. This diverse mix delineates Portugal's determination to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase its use of sustainable sources.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Portugal?
Despite these efforts, Portugal's overall electricity consumption per person has decreased since it peaked in 2016. The latest numbers show a per capita consumption of about 5585 kWh, which is 246 kWh lower than the 2016 record. Similarly, despite Portugal's low-carbon electricity aspirations, its current generation levels per person have dropped by 257 kWh from the 2024 high mark. These figures underline a concerning downward trend, which could hinder the efforts to fully transition to a low-carbon economy and meet increasing electricity demands due to electrification and the growth of AI.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Portugal could significantly scale up its wind and solar energy sectors, given their existing contributions. With Denmark and Iowa setting formidable examples in wind energy—accounting for 58% and 60% of their electricity mix, respectively—Portugal can aspire to similar levels of wind generation. Furthermore, solar power stands as a bright opportunity for expansion. Regions like Nevada and California have successfully capitalized on their solar potential with solar energy making up 33% and 29% of their mix, respectively. Additionally, Portugal can learn from countries like France, which heavily relies on nuclear power, securing up to 70% of its electricity from this source, underscoring the feasibility of adopting nuclear alongside other low-carbon technologies.
History
Portugal's history with low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, reflects periods of both substantial progress and setbacks. Notably, the country experienced significant surges in hydroelectricity during the early 2000s and 2010s, with increases as high as 7.8 TWh in 2003 and 8.2 TWh in 2013. However, these advances have often been followed by declines, such as the sharp 9.3 TWh decrease in 2017. These fluctuations highlight the need for Portugal to stabilize and diversify its clean energy sources, perhaps through increased investment in solar and the inauguration of nuclear energy, ensuring a robust, sustainable future for its electricity generation.
