Portugal may reach its 80% renewable electricity goal ahead of schedule in 2025.
Portugal Steps Closer to Renewable Energy Goals
Portugal's surge in renewable energy sources, particularly in hydropower and wind energy, has brought the country closer to reaching its ambitious renewable energy targets. The optimistic sentiment was expressed by Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Environment and Energy Transition Minister, during the II Energy Conference of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
In the first month of this year, the minister revealed a possibility of Portugal achieving the initial 2026 target for renewable energy even earlier, potentially this year itself. The strong performance is driven by increased contributions from renewable energy sources, with hydropower and wind energy playing pivotal roles.
In 2024, renewable sources accounted for 71% of the electricity consumed in Portugal, marking the highest value ever. Hydropower (28%), wind (27%), solar photovoltaic (10%), and biomass (6%) were the principal contributors. Contrarily, electricity from non-renewable sources, predominantly natural gas, accounted for only 10% of consumption, with the remaining supplied by imports, reaching a record of 10.5 TWh.
Portugal's renewable energy target for 2030 has been revised in the updated draft of its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), aiming for a 93% share of renewable energy in its electricity consumption. This substantial target indicates Portugal's robust renewable energy capacity and its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with an aim for a 55% reduction by 2030.
The country's efficient renewable energy infrastructure and high solar radiation are significant factors contributing to the positive outcomes, potentially enabling Portugal to surpass its renewable energy goals.
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What role has hydropower and wind energy played in Portugal's progress towards renewable energy goals? They have been pivotal contributors, driving Portugal's strong performance in renewable energy sources.
In light of Portugal's increased contributions from renewable energy sources, is it possible for the country to achieve its initial 2026 target for renewable energy even earlier? Yes, the Minister has expressed optimism about potentially achieving the target this year itself.
What was the composition of renewable sources in Portugal's electricity consumption in 2024? Hydropower accounted for 28%, wind for 27%, solar photovoltaic for 10%, and biomass for 6%.
With its revised target of a 93% share of renewable energy in its electricity consumption by 2030, what commitment is Portugal making towards environmental science and reducing greenhouse gas emissions? The country aims for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, which highlights Portugal's robust renewable energy capacity and its dedication to climate-change mitigation in the industry of renewable-energy and finance.
