Portugal has become the first European country to reach 1 GW of solar capacity growth in 2024, making substantial progress in its solar expansion. The country’s significant growth in solar power this year was highlighted in a report by SolarPower Europe, which estimates a 1,078 MW increase in solar capacity for Portugal. For more insights on Portugal’s solar capacity breakthrough, visit Portugal solar capacity Reaches 1 GW: An Extraordinary Milestone.
Portugal solar capacity growth sets new benchmark
Portugal’s solar capacity expansion is outpacing larger solar markets, such as Germany and Spain, by reaching the 1 GW growth mark first. This milestone is a major step toward the European Union’s goal of installing 1 TW of solar capacity by 2030. However, Portugal still lags behind other markets in terms of per capita solar capacity, with only 0.34 KW per capita compared to the EU average of 0.72 KW per capita. For a detailed analysis of Portugal’s record deployment, read Portugal solar deployment Achieves 1 GW Milestone: Stunning Growth.
Overcoming barriers to Portugal solar capacity expansion
Portugal’s solar sector has faced delays in connecting some of its largest solar projects to the grid, despite the country’s potential for solar energy. According to a report by SolarPower Europe, Portugal added 1,078 MW of solar capacity in 2024, a year marked by record-breaking global heatwaves.
Despite its progress, Portugal still trails behind other European countries in terms of solar capacity per capita. By the end of 2024, the country had installed 3.6 GW of solar PV capacity, which amounts to 0.34 kW per capita. In contrast, the EU average is 0.72 kW per capita, with the Netherlands leading at 1.4 kW per capita.
Unlocking Portugal solar capacity potential in the EU market
Portugal has a significant opportunity to become a major player in the EU solar market, given its abundant sunlight and favourable conditions for solar energy. The European solar market is currently experiencing rapid growth, with an average of 15 GW of solar capacity added each month. Explore how Portugal’s solar power surge is driving the energy transition in Portugal solar power Surges with 1.77 GW Expansion in 2024.
To capitalize on this potential, Portugal must address grid access issues and expand its solar market. This will involve increasing the number of solar projects and improving the grid infrastructure to support them.
Future outlook for Portugal solar capacity development
According to the SolarPower Europe report, the EU is on track to reach 1,000 GW of solar capacity by 2030, which would account for 30% of the EU’s electricity. However, to meet this goal, the EU needs to install an additional 700 GW of solar capacity over the next six years.
Portugal’s solar capacity growth is a significant step towards achieving this target, but there is still much work to be done. The country must continue to invest in solar energy and address challenges such as grid access to ensure that it can contribute to the EU’s renewable energy goals.
Portugal’s solar capacity growth in 2024 is a significant achievement, but the country still has a long way to go to reach the EU average in terms of solar capacity per capita. By continuing to invest in solar energy and addressing challenges such as grid access, Portugal can play a key role in helping the EU achieve its renewable energy goals.