In 2025, Portugal's electricity consumption illustrates a significant shift towards low-carbon sources, with clean energy accounting for more than two-thirds of the total. Hydropower comprises almost a third of the energy mix, contributing a substantial 31.85%, while wind power adds approximately 23%. Net imports contribute 16.3% and are predominantly low-carbon, further greening the overall mix. In contrast, fossil fuels represent a much smaller portion of Portugal's electricity, accounting for just over 13%, with gas being the sole contributor in this category. Solar energy continues to play a critical role, supplying over 10% of Portugal’s electricity. The country's focus on low-carbon sources like hydro and wind alongside burgeoning solar installations indicates a strong commitment to sustainable electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Portugal?
Despite this emphasis on clean energy, the total electricity consumption in Portugal has experienced a decline when compared to previous years. In 2025, average electricity consumption per person stands at 5588 kWh, a decrease from the 2016 record of 5831 kWh. This reduction of 243 kWh per person highlights a concerning trend, as electricity demand should ideally rise to drive economic growth and electrification. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also witnessed a drop, from a peak of 4176 kWh in 2024 to 3921 kWh in 2025. This downward shift of 255 kWh per person in low-carbon generation is worrying, as it comes at a time when sustainable energy should lead the charge in consumption growth.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Portugal could expand its already successful wind and solar energy sectors. Emulating countries with strong clean energy credentials could also be beneficial. For instance, Denmark and Iowa have each capitalized on wind energy to provide around 60% and 56% of their electricity respectively, demonstrating the potential of wind power. Expanding solar farms could follow the example of states like Nevada, where solar contributes 33% of electricity, or Greece, with a strong 23% solar contribution. Additionally, integrating nuclear energy is a prudent choice given its proven capacity to deliver substantial and consistent low-carbon electricity, as seen in countries like France (70%) and Slovakia (66%). By learning from these successful regions, Portugal can secure a robust and sustainable electricity future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Portugal showcases numerous fluctuations in hydropower generation. In the late 1970s through the early 1980s, hydropower saw growth with an increase of 5.2 TWh in 1977 but faced a decline in the subsequent decade, notably with a reduction of 6.4 TWh in 1989. Moving into the 1990s, hydropower generation experienced cyclical changes, with a notable rise of 6.4 TWh in 1996. The 2000s continued this pattern; 2003 marked an increase of 7.8 TWh, while the following year saw a decline of 5.9 TWh. Hydropower remained volatile in the next decade, with significant expansions in 2010 (7.5 TWh) and 2013 (8.2 TWh) but encountered declines too, particularly after 2017. This historical variability underscores the need for diversification within the low-carbon energy mix, emphasizing not just reliance on hydropower, but expansion into more stable and scalable options like wind, solar, and nuclear energy.
