By Gavin Maguire
In a remarkable turnaround, Portugal’s utilities have dramatically reduced the use of fossil fuels in their electricity production, with only 10% coming from such sources in 2024. This places them ahead of Spain and behind only France in terms of clean energy generation in western Europe.
According to data from energy think tank Ember, total clean electricity production in Portugal has surged by 32% in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching a record 21.76 terawatt hours (TWh).
The increase in clean power output has been driven by record-breaking generation from solar and wind farms, as well as the highest hydro generation levels since 2016. This surge in clean energy has allowed Portugal to reduce natural gas-fired electricity production by a staggering 60% from January to July 2023.
Furthermore, Portugal’s power companies have increased total electricity generation by 7% to the highest levels since 2021, showcasing the effectiveness of a multi-faceted approach to boosting clean energy production.
Key Factors Driving the Clean Energy Surge
Portugal’s progress in reducing fossil fuel use has been accelerated by the deployment of some of Europe’s largest new hydro dams and solar parks. The commissioning of the 1,158 MW Tamega dam and the 202 MW Cerca solar farm in 2024 has allowed power companies to significantly reduce fossil fuel-generated electricity to just 2.53 TWh in the first seven months of the year.
As a result, total power sector emissions have dropped sharply, reaching 2.12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide for the same period, which is a 45% reduction from 2023 and a new record low.
Hydro Power’s Contribution
Higher precipitation levels and the addition of new hydro facilities like the Tamega dam have bolstered Portugal’s hydro generation in 2024. Pumped storage output has increased by 67%, run-of-river generation by 70%, and reservoir-based hydro generation by 76% compared to the same period in 2023.
As a result, hydropower’s share of Portugal’s electricity generation mix has risen to 35.3% in 2024, up from 20.7% in 2023.
Future Growth and Sustainability Goals
Portugal’s government has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewables in power production, aiming for 51% of the country’s final energy needs to be met by renewables by 2030. Innovative projects like the Alqueva floating solar park and the integration of wind farms with hydro facilities are expected to play a key role in achieving these goals.
Overall, Portugal’s current momentum and planned expansions in clean energy infrastructure position the country as a rising star in Europe’s clean energy landscape, paving the way for global leadership in energy transition.
Analysis: Portugal has made significant strides in reducing fossil fuel use and increasing clean energy production, setting an example for other countries to follow. The country’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in renewable energy projects is not only beneficial for the environment but also holds promising economic opportunities for investors and consumers. By embracing clean energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, Portugal is positioning itself as a leader in the global energy transition, with the potential to drive positive change and secure a more sustainable future for generations to come.