In 2025, Portugal's electricity production is primarily driven by low-carbon sources, accounting for indeed more than two-thirds of the total. Among these, hydropower contributes nearly a third, while wind power provides more than a fifth. Furthermore, net electricity imports add another 15% to this clean energy mix, undoubtedly enhancing Portugal's overall low-carbon footprint. Fossil fuel sources are now responsible for less than one-sixth of electricity production, with noteworthy mentions of gas, constituting a significant share, and oil, which forms an inconsequential fraction of this energy landscape. Solar power is progressively making its mark and contributes nearly 14%, positioning itself as a key low-carbon source alongside wind and hydropower. Finally, biofuels, while not a major contributor, still add to the low-carbon ensemble.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Portugal?
Portugal's electricity consumption is on an upward trajectory, contrary to its stagnation in previous years. The latest per-person electricity consumption of 6056 kWh surpasses the 2016 record, showcasing a growth of 225 kWh per person. This increase also reflects in the surge of low-carbon electricity generation, which has risen by 89 kWh per person from the previous high in 2024. Such positive shifts indicate a healthy trend towards increased electricity usage, accompanied by a substantial tilt towards sustainable energy sources. Embracing this trajectory will prove advantageous for Portugal in keeping up with accelerating demand driven by technological advancements and global electrification imperatives.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, Portugal might consider expanding its wind and solar capacities, which already play vital roles in its energy landscape. Countries renowned for their robust low-carbon portfolios offer valuable lessons. Denmark, for instance, excels in wind energy, generating 60% of its electricity from this source and setting a benchmark for wind development. In addition, considering the example of solar advancements, Portugal can draw inspiration from North Macedonia, with nearly half of its electricity derived from solar energy. While Portugal currently does not engage in nuclear power, understanding the significant role it can play from nations like France and Slovakia, which produce an overwhelming majority of their electricity through nuclear, might inspire future diversification toward this resilient and low-emission energy form.
History
Tracing the history of low-carbon electricity in Portugal, particularly hydropower, reveals a dynamic trajectory. In the early 1980s, hydropower first rose significantly in 1977, only to confront a downturn later in 1989. The fluctuating hydropower generation persisted through the 1990s and early 2000s, characterized by notable increases like in 1996, 2003, and 2013, interspersed with considerable declines. The last two decades of the 21st century have witnessed a persistent ebb and flow of hydropower capacity, making such an energy source both instrumental and unpredictable within the low-carbon landscape. This historical perspective underlines the need to fortify energy portfolios with other reliable low-carbon sources like solar and potentially nuclear, to buffer against intermittent declines and ensure steady electricity growth.
