Portugal has announced plans to raise the share of solar and other renewables in its final energy consumption to 51% by 2030, up from the previous target of 47%. This move underscores the country’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2045 and marks a significant shift in its energy and climate goals.
A New Draft of Energy and Climate Goals
The Portuguese government announced its updated plan on Wednesday, a bold move toward a more sustainable future. The new 51% renewables target is part of a revised draft of the country’s energy and climate goals, which is now being finalized. This draft will be discussed in parliament before being sent to Brussels for approval.
During a parliamentary committee meeting, Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho emphasized the significance of this increase. She described the raised target as a “substantial evolution” and crucial for guiding Portugal’s decarbonization efforts across all sectors.
In 2022, renewable energy accounted for 34.7% of Portugal’s final energy consumption, placing the country sixth among the 27 EU member states. Final energy consumption includes the total energy used by households, industry, and agriculture, but excludes energy consumed by the energy sector itself. With this significant share, Portugal already stands as a leader in renewable energy within the EU.
Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
Portugal has set an ambitious goal to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2026. By 2030, the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from 2005 levels. Additionally, Portugal plans to improve energy efficiency by 35% and increase interconnection networks by 15% to reduce overall energy consumption and dependence on non-renewable sources.
Looking further ahead, Portugal aims for renewables to make up 47% of energy end-use by 2050. The country also intends to reach carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% to 90%. By positioning itself as a leading exporter of green energy, Portugal is setting an example for other nations to follow.
Renewable Energy Achievements in 2023
In 2023, renewable sources supplied 61% of Portugal’s electricity consumption, totaling a record-high 31.2 terawatt-hours (TWh). Wind power was the largest contributor at 25%, followed by hydropower (23%), photovoltaics (7%), and biomass (6%). Notably, hydropower generation saw a year-on-year increase of 70% compared to the particularly dry year of 2022. Photovoltaic generation also increased by 43%, driven by the gradual expansion of installed capacity.
Non-renewable energy sources supplied only 19% of Portugal’s electricity consumption in 2023, totaling 10 TWh—the lowest value recorded since 1988. The decline was attributed not only to the increased availability of renewable energy but also to a high import balance, which supplied 20% of consumption and was the highest share ever recorded.
Electricity consumption supplied by the public grid in 2023 reached 50.7 TWh, reflecting a 0.8% growth compared to the previous year. When adjusted for temperature and the number of working days, this growth was 0.6%. This level of consumption was the highest since 2018, remaining approximately 3% below the all-time high recorded in 2010.
Portugal’s increased renewable energy targets reaffirm its unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. By raising the share of renewables to 51% by 2030, streamlining licensing, and maintaining ambitious goals for offshore wind and green hydrogen, Portugal is positioning itself as a leader in the global energy transition. With continued strategic initiatives, the country is well on its way to achieving carbon neutrality and setting a benchmark for other nations.
