Electricity in Portugal in 2023/2024

In the twelve months from November 2023 to October 2024, Portugal's electricity landscape has been dominated by low-carbon sources, contributing nearly 77% to the overall electricity generation. Hydropower alone accounted for more than 41%, significantly highlighting its role in the country's clean energy matrix. Wind energy also played a substantial part, making up almost a quarter of the electricity supply at around 23%. Portugal has also imported close to 15% of its electricity, adding to its clean energy portfolio. Fossil fuels contributed less than 8% of the total electricity generation, with gas being the primary fossil source. Solar power generated close to 8% and biofuels contributed around 5% of the electricity mix. This indicates that while Portugal is robust in its low-carbon electricity, there is still a fossil fuel presence that can be further diminished.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Portugal can look at expanding its wind energy infrastructure, which is already a major part of its electricity mix. Lessons can be learned from countries like Denmark, where wind accounts for almost 60% of electricity, showing that an even greater investment in wind can tremendously augment clean electricity stocks. Additionally, exploring varied clean energy avenues could benefit Portugal. For instance, nuclear energy could be a path worth exploring, as seen in France, where a significant 67% of its electricity comes from nuclear power. Learning from Greece and Chile, where solar comprises over 20% of their electricity supply, Portugal can confidently boost its solar capacity. These steps would not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of climate change and air pollution.

History

Tracing back through the history of low-carbon electricity in Portugal, hydropower has seen significant fluctuations. The late 1970s and subsequent decades brought both surges and setbacks. In notable years, such as 2003 and 2013, there were substantial increases in hydropower output with additions of around 8 TWh. The early 2000s and 2010s faced setbacks, with declines close to 6 TWh periodically causing contractions in electricity from hydro. The year 2023 has marked a noteworthy recovery with an addition of 4.4 TWh. This cyclical nature in hydropower output highlights the importance of diversification in low-carbon energy technologies to ensure a stable, continuous supply of clean electricity, further supporting Portugal's green energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources