Portugal's electricity consumption in 2025 shows a significant shift towards low-carbon sources, with more than two-thirds of the electricity generated being clean energy. Hydropower leads this green revolution, accounting for nearly 30% of the total electricity production, followed closely by wind power contributing more than a fifth. Solar energy also plays a substantial role, almost nearing 14% of the electricity mix. Notably, net imports supplement about 15% of the consumption, showcasing Portugal's interconnectedness with neighboring countries' electricity grids. On the fossil fuel side, gas is the predominant source, making up approximately 12% of the country's electricity, with oil barely registering at close to 2%. The reliance on fossil energy is minimal, less than 15% of total electricity consumption, highlighting a promising transition towards a more sustainable future.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Portugal?
As for the growth trajectory of electricity consumption in Portugal, the numbers tell an encouraging story. The latest data from 2025 indicates an upward trend, with electricity consumption reaching 6056 kWh per person, marking a notable increase of 225 kWh per person since the previous peak in 2016. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has surged, setting a new record of 4265 kWh per person, which is 89 kWh more than the record set just the previous year in 2024. These increments reflect positive growth, signaling that Portugal is not only meeting but likely exceeding past consumption levels, driven largely by a concerted shift towards sustainable electricity sources, which is essential to support burgeoning future demands from technological advancements.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Portugal could expand its current wind and solar energy capacities. Harnessing the expansive potential of solar energy is crucial, as evidenced by California's solar generation at 31%, which is something Portugal can learn from to further its solar initiatives. Additionally, although nuclear energy currently plays no role in Portugal's electricity mix, drawing insights from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for a substantial 66-67%, could provide Portugal with a blueprint for establishing nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source. Denmark's success with wind energy, sourcing 60% of its electricity from wind, also points to an avenue Portugal is already midway through exploring, with potential for further expansion. Investment in these areas, alongside partnerships with other green-focused regions, can position Portugal as a leader in sustainable electricity generation.
History
Historically, Portugal has shown an active engagement with hydropower as a key component of its electricity mix, albeit with some fluctuations over the decades. In the late 1970s and 1990s, hydropower noticeably declined in some years, with drops as significant as over 6 TWh in 1989 and similarly in subsequent years like 1999 and 2002. Positive strides were seen in periods like 2010, with increases up to 8.2 TWh in 2013, showcasing its potential as a robust clean electricity source. Unfortunately, this pattern of volatility has persisted, with more recent years witnessing both declines and gains, such as the uptick in 2023. While these changes demonstrate resilience and adaptability, the focus for the future should be on establishing consistent growth patterns not only in hydropower but across all low-carbon energy sources. Integrating stable low-carbon solutions, like nuclear energy, could offer the much-needed consistency and sustainability required to complement Portugal's already commendable clean energy journey.
