In July, solar energy became the main source of electricity production in Portugal for the first time, surpassing other types of generation.
Renewable sources last month provided 53% of the country’s electricity consumption. According to Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN), photovoltaic generation topped this list, accounting for 19%. It surpassed hydropower (16%), wind energy (13%), and biomass (5%).
Record solar energy production
REN clarifies that the peak of solar energy production in Portugal was reached on June 29 at 13:30, when the figure reached a record 3,800 megawatts (MW).
Clean energy sources continue to occupy a leading position in the country, providing 68% of consumption for the first seven months of 2026. However, over this longer period, photovoltaic solar energy (12%) gave way to hydropower (27%), which topped the ranking. Wind energy was in second place (24%). Biomass again accounted for 5% of total electricity production from January to July 2026.
Energy balance and consumption
In July, the productivity of solar (0.89) and wind (0.71) energy was lower than their average historical figures. Their indices were also lower than the hydropower index (1.26).
Non-renewable generation provided 13% of electricity in July, and the remaining 34% was imported from Spain.
Electricity consumption increased by 3% last month and by 3.5% for the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Over the same period, natural gas consumption increased by 4.1%.
Nigeria and the United States remain the main suppliers of natural gas to Portugal, providing 53% and 33% of the total volume, respectively.
Source: Euronews
