Portugal has announced plans to increase 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 represents a significant shift in its energy and climate goals.
A New Draft of Energy and Climate Goals
In a bold move towards a more sustainable future, Portugal announced plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its final energy consumption to 51% by 2030. This new target - an update from the previous 47% - underscores the country's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2045. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Portuguese government, signalling a substantial shift in the nation's energy and climate goals.
The new target is part of an updated draft of Portugal's energy and climate goals which the government is finalizing. This draft will soon be discussed in parliament before being sent to Brussels for further approval. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho emphasized the significance of this increase during a parliamentary committee meeting. 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 the energy consumed by the energy sector itself. This significant share already positions Portugal 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; demonstrating its commitment to combating climate change. Additionally, Portugal plans to improve energy efficiency by 35% and increase interconnection networks by 15% This further reduces overall energy consumption and dependence on non-renewable sources.
Looking further ahead, Portugal aims to achieve a 47% share of renewables in energy end-use by 2050. The country also intends to reach carbon neutrality, 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 energy sources supplied 61% of Portugal's electricity consumption; totalling 31.2 terawatt-hours (TWh). This was the highest-ever recorded value in the Portuguese national system. Wind power contributed 25% of the consumption; 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.
Portugal’s Renewable Energy Share to Reach 51%: Embracing Solar and Other Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future.
Non-renewable energy sources supplied only 19% of Portugal's electricity consumption in 2023, totalling 10 TWh. This marked the lowest value recorded since 1988. The decline in non-renewable generation was attributed not only to the increased availability of renewable energy but also to a high import balance, which supplied 20% of the consumption. This import share was the highest ever recorded and its largest since 1981.
Electricity consumption supplied by the public grid in 2023 reached 50.7 TWh, reflecting a growth of 0.8% compared to the previous year. When adjusted for temperature and the number of working days, this growth was 0.6%. This level of consumption marked the highest since 2018, standing approximately 3% below the all-time high recorded in 2010.
Portugal's increased renewable energy targets demonstrate its unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Portugal is positioning itself as a leader in the global renewable energy landscape by raising the share of renewables in final energy consumption to 51% by 2030; streamlining the licensing process; and maintaining ambitious goals for offshore wind and green hydrogen. With continued efforts and strategic initiatives, the country is well on its way to achieving carbon neutrality and setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.