Renewable energy sources account for approximately 74% of the electrical power supplied
In the first seven months of 2022, Portugal significantly increased its renewable energy consumption, with renewables supplying approximately 74% of electricity demand[1]. This level places Portugal ahead of many other EU countries in renewable electricity share, with wind power being the largest contributor and solar reaching record outputs[1].
Wind energy contributed 22% to Portugal's monthly electricity consumption in July, while solar power accounted for 17.5%. Hydroelectric power accounted for 32%, biomass 5%, and the electricity generation segment of natural gas consumption saw a 17% increase in July[1]. Renewable energy production supplied 54% of Portugal's electricity consumption in July, a testament to the country's renewable energy dominance[1].
However, despite renewable energy's prominence, Portugal still relied heavily on imported electricity (29% in July 2025) and natural gas for balancing supply[1][4]. Only 3% of Portugal's natural gas supply in July came from the interconnection with Spain[1]. The national supply of natural gas was almost entirely ensured by the Sines liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in July[1]. Nigeria and the United States were the main gas suppliers, representing 56% and 32% of the total, respectively[1].
The conventional segment of natural gas consumption registered a year-on-year decline of 12% in July, recording its lowest consumption since 2009[1]. Accumulated consumption in the natural gas market grew 11% through July, and the electricity generation segment of natural gas consumption saw a 132% increase in July[1]. Non-renewable energy production accounted for 17% of Portugal's electricity consumption in July[1].
Portugal's electricity consumption maintained a growth trend in July, with a year-on-year change of 3.8%. When adjusting for the effects of temperature and the number of business days, Portugal's electricity consumption growth was 2.1% in July[1]. Solar energy surpassed 3,300 MW in a daily power maximum in July, despite less favorable conditions for renewable energy production[1].
Portugal stands out for its ambitious renewable targets and already high shares of renewables. The Portuguese government revised its target to 93% renewable electricity consumption by 2030, with plans to double installed capacity notably in solar and wind power[2][3]. Spain, its neighbor, aims for around 81% renewables by 2030, indicating Portugal’s more aggressive transition plan[3].
This reflects Portugal's strong commitment to renewable energy but also the challenges of ensuring energy security and reducing dependency on imported natural gas and electricity. The country's focus on renewables, coupled with its ambitious targets, positions it as a leader in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future in Europe.
- Portugal's renewable energy sector, primarily driven by wind and solar power, exceeded 54% of the country's electricity consumption in July 2022, highlighting its dominance in renewable electricity share.
- Despite relying on imported electricity and natural gas for balancing supply, the conventional segment of natural gas consumption in Portugal experienced a year-on-year decline of 12% in July 2022.
- In accordance with its ambitious renewable targets, the Portuguese government aims to double installed capacity in solar and wind power and reach 93% renewable electricity consumption by 2030.
- The country's focus on renewable energy significantly increases Portugal's renewable energy consumption, with renewables supplying approximately 74% of electricity demand in the first seven months of 2022.
