Renewable energy in Portugal - statistics & facts

Renewable energy plays a big role in Portugal’s energy sector. In 2021, the country’s primary energy consumption stood at 0.95 exajoules, with renewables accounting for over 32 percent of that amount. In the electricity sector, renewables hold a much larger share. Portugal’s renewable power capacity has been growing steadily in the last years, surpassing 15 gigawatts in 2021. This represents a share of over 70 percent of the total installed capacity in the country. This growing trend is expected to accelerate in the upcoming years.

Portugal's renewable energy targets

Although Portugal has invested heavily in renewables in the last years, fossil fuels still remain an important source of energy. In 2022, in the midst of the global energy crisis, Portugal decided to accelerate its energy transition plans, aiming for a renewable power generation share of 80 percent by 2026, four years earlier than previously planned. Additionally, the country plans to double its renewable power capacity in the next decade, and the total share of renewable energy in final energy consumption is set to reach 47 percent by 2030. This will help to increase energy security in the country, as Portugal currently relies heavily on fossil fuel imports to meet its energy needs. Furthermore, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aid in achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Renewable energy sources

Portugal has an extensive coastline, substantial water resources, and is among the European countries with the most hours of sunshine. This makes the country an ideal location for the implementation of renewables. Currently, hydropower is the renewable technology with the largest capacity installed, followed by wind power. Solar photovoltaic comes in third, with an installed capacity of roughly 1.9 gigawatts as of 2022. Although Portugal's solar power generation is still small in comparison to wind and hydropower, it is growing rapidly, and has in recent years experienced the greatest growth of any renewable technology there. Between 2020 and 2021, the solar photovoltaic capacity in the country increased by more than 50 percent.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Lucía Fernández, Jan 10, 2024

Key insights

Portugal's renewable energy capacity
16.3 GW
Number of renewable energy jobs in Portugal
35.8k
Main renewable energy source in electricity production
Wind
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Renewable energy capacity in Portugal from 2008 to 2023 (in megawatts)

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy capacity in Portugal 2008-2023

Onshore wind energy capacity in Portugal from 2008 to 2023 (in megawatts)

Renewable Energy

Onshore wind energy capacity in Portugal 2008-2023

Renewable and non-renewable electricity generation in Portugal from January 2022 to June 2023 (in gigawatt hours)

Electricity

Renewable and non-renewable electricity generation volume in Portugal 2022-2023

Recommended statistics

Overview

7

Overview

Wind

7

Wind

Hydropower

5

Hydropower

Solar PV

6

Solar PV

Bioenergy

5

Bioenergy

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Renewable energy in Europe
Renewable energy in Europe
Renewable energy in Italy
Renewable energy in Italy
Renewable energy in Germany
Renewable energy in Germany
Renewable energy in Spain
Renewable energy in Spain
Renewable energy in France
Renewable energy in France

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu