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Electricity in Portugal in 2023

Global Ranking: #24
65.5% #51 Low-carbon electricity
641.48 watts #53 Generation / person
181.80 gCO2eq/kWh #37 Carbon Intensity

In 2023, Portugal demonstrates a strong commitment to generating power from low-carbon sources. This commitment is evident in the percentage of power generated from these sources, which accounts for close to 65.5%, slightly more than two-thirds of the total energy production. The most prominent contributors to low-carbon energy are hydropower, which provides almost a third of the total energy, and wind energy, accounting for slightly more than a fifth of the total supply. Even though fossil fuels still constitute a sizable chunk of around 17.2%, contributions from other low-carbon sources like solar (6.2%) and biofuels (5%) do much to dilute the impact of these fossil sources and keep Portugal's energy production environmentally friendly.

Suggestions

For Portugal to boost its low-carbon electricity generation, it could focus on expanding some of its already prevalent green energy technologies, particularly wind energy. This option is bolstered by the notable success of countries like Denmark, generating an impressive 59% of its electricity from wind, and Uruguay, producing a robust 40%. Besides wind energy, Portugal could look towards augmenting its electricity production with nuclear energy. Countries similar to Portugal, such as Spain (21%) and Belgium (38%), have had significant success in integrating this clean energy source into their energy portfolios. These efficient wind and nuclear strategies from successful countries can inform and inspire Portugal's expansion of its low-carbon energy capacity.

History

Over the years, Portugal's history of low-carbon electricity has seen significant ups and downs. Hydroelectric power, for instance, experienced a large further increase in electricity generation of 10.8 TWh in 2023. Earlier fluctuations in hydropower output, with gains and losses evident in every decade, demonstrate a long-standing commitment to this low-carbon energy source. However, these fluctuations also show the inherent variability of hydropower, influenced by factors such as changes in precipitation and water management policies. Nevertheless, the recent spike in hydroelectric production suggests Portugal's continued reliance on this low-carbon energy source. Alongside other low-carbon energy production systems like wind, solar, and biofuels, Portugal's long history with low-carbon hydropower puts it on a clear path towards a greener energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources

For the years 1971 to 1988 the data sources are World Bank and IEA (imports/exports).
For the year 1989 the data sources are Energy Institute and IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 1990 to 2017 the data source is IEA.
For the year 2018 the data sources are IEA and IEA (imports/exports).
For the year 2019 the data source is IEA.
For the years 2020 to 2022 the data source is Ember.
For the year 2023 the data source is ENTSOE.
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