Over the past year, from June 2025 to May 2026, Portugal has demonstrated a commendable reliance on low-carbon electricity, with almost 67% of its electricity supply derived from clean resources. Hydropower leads this group, contributing more than a quarter of the total, closely followed by wind, which supplies nearly 22%. Moreover, net imports make up approximately 17%, while solar energy and biofuels account for 13% and 5% respectively. Fossil energy, meanwhile, forms a much smaller portion of Portugal's electricity mix, standing at around 16%. Gas is the main contributor in this category, making up nearly 14%, with oil barely sighted at just over a percent. This heavy reliance on clean energy types highlights Portugal's consistent commitment to reducing carbon emissions in their electricity sector.

Is Electricity Growing in Portugal?

As for electricity consumption in Portugal, there has been a slight upward trajectory. The most recent data reveals a total consumption of 6059 kWh per person in 2026, surpassing the previous record of 6056 kWh per person in 2025 by just 3 kWh. While this minimal growth in total electricity usage might seem inconsequential, it signifies Portugal's capacity to sustain and possibly increase their electricity consumption to meet growing demands. There is, however, a noteworthy decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which fell by 206 kWh per person from the previous figure of 4265 kWh in 2025. This decline in clean electricity generation is a cause for concern, especially given the need to expand sustainable power sources to sufficiently support future electrification and curb the negative impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuels.

Suggestions

Portugal can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its already significant wind and solar sectors. Taking insights from successful regions such as Denmark and its robust wind sector, with 60% from wind, could be instrumental. Emulating regions like Nevada and California, which excel in solar electricity with more than 30% from solar power, could also pave the way for increasing solar investment in Portugal. Nuclear energy, though currently absent, offers another viable path for Portugal. Countries like France, with 67% of their electricity generated by nuclear energy, exemplify how nuclear power can form the backbone of low-carbon electricity. Such steps would position Portugal to not only meet its electricity needs but also lead in global efforts towards sustainable energy.

History

Historically, Portugal's hydropower sector has experienced fluctuations. The late 70s saw a significant increase in hydroelectric capacity, while the 80s and early 90s witnessed some downturns, such as the drop in 1989 and 1992. The mid-90s and early 2000s continued this trend of variability, exemplified by increases in years like 1996 and 2003, contrasted by declines in years such as 1999 and 2004. Moving into the last decade and early years of the 21st century, similar patterns persisted, with peaks in 2010 and 2013 alongside drops in 2015 and 2017. Recently, hydroelectric generation once again saw an uptick in 2023. These fluctuations underscore a need for diversification and stability in Portugal’s low-carbon electricity sources, emphasizing the importance of investing in more constant and scalable options like solar and nuclear energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.