In April, Portugal achieved an impressive milestone by sourcing 95% of its electricity from renewable energy, establishing itself as a leader in clean energy both within Europe and on the global stage.
In the first five months of the year from January to May 2024, 87% of the electricity consumed in Portugal was green, according to Portugal’s national grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN).
Hydropower reportedly accounted for 43%, wind power for 30%, solar energy for 8%, and biomass for 6%. Natural gas production contributed 9% to the overall consumption, while the remaining 4% was imported.
This remarkable shift toward renewable energy underscores Portugal’s commitment to sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
In May alone, renewable energy sources accounted for nearly 70% of consumption, while non-renewables contributed a mere 3%. The remaining 27% was met through energy imports. Solar power generation supplied 12% of the national consumption—an all-time high for this technology.
Key points
- In April 2024, Portugal sourced 95% of electricity from renewable energy.
- Hydropower accounted for 43%, wind power for 30%, solar energy for 8%, and biomass for 6% during the initial five months of the year.
- Natural gas contributed 9% to overall consumption, with the remaining 4% imported.
- In May, renewables made up nearly 70% of consumption, while non-renewables contributed only 3%.
- Solar power generation reached an all-time high, supplying 12% of national consumption.
- Across the EU, fossil fuels provided less than a quarter of energy in April 2024.
How Portugal became a clean energy leader in Europe
For the first time in 46 years, renewable energy generation in Portugal has been so significant, with renewables supplying 94.9% of electricity consumption in April 2024 — marking the fourth consecutive month above 80%, following 91% in March, 88% in February, and 81% in January.
Portugal has made huge progress in renewable power, increasing from 27% in 2005 and 54% in 2017 to a historic 95% of its electricity from renewables in April, according to energy company REN.
The country’s commitment to clean energy began with the phase-out of coal-fired power generation in 2021. This strategic move paved the way for further advancements. Portugal also bolstered its hydropower fleet by adding storage capacity, enhancing its ability to harness energy from water resources.
These efforts have led to notable achievements, such as renewable energy production exceeding the country’s electricity needs for six consecutive days last autumn.
Portugal had the third highest share of wind energy in its electricity mix last year at 29%, following Ireland (36%) and Denmark (58%). However, the European Electricity Review report by clean think tank Ember highlights that Portugal has not surpassed the peak wind generation achieved in 2019, despite its updated National Energy and Climate Plan.
Sharp decline in fossil fuel energy across EU
Across the European Union, fossil fuels contributed less than a quarter of energy for the first time ever in April 2024, marking a significant continental shift.
Dirty energy sources (coal, gas, and oil) are non-renewable and contribute to planet-warming pollution. Transitioning to renewables is crucial for a cleaner, safer future.
Decarbonizing energy sources could save trillions of dollars over the next two decades, according to recent research. As more nations follow Portugal’s example, impactful changes to energy use will drive progress toward a cheaper and more sustainable future.
As more nations follow Portugal’s example, impactful changes to energy use will drive progress toward a cheaper and more sustainable future.
State-level initiatives play a critical role in the success. such as California meeting 100% of its power needs from renewables and Nevada’s hydro storage project aiming to supply a significant portion of its energy demand.
Ember, a clean think tank, reports that over 30% of global electricity now comes from renewable sources.