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With 71% of Energy Generated Locally From Renewable Sources and Only 10% Coming From Fossil Fuels, Portugal Has Become a Global Leader in the Energy Transition, Promising Over 90% Renewable Energy by 2030.
If you have ever wondered whether a country can live almost exclusively on renewable energy, Portugal is here to prove that it can. This small European giant is achieving one milestone after another in the race for sustainability. But how did Portugal get there? Let’s unravel this inspiring story.
The Current Scenario of the Energy Transition in Portugal
In recent years, Portugal has taken impressive steps in the energy transition. In 2024, the country reduced its dependence on gas by 56%, marking its lowest consumption since 2003. And the most impressive part? Only 10% of the electricity consumed came from fossil fuels. It seems like a dream, but it’s pure reality.
With sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy, the Portuguese electricity mix has reached historic levels: 71% of the energy comes from local renewable sources, while another 20% is imported from low-carbon sources from neighboring Spain. This performance has placed Portugal alongside global leaders like Denmark and Chile.
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While heat evaporates water from reservoirs and countries seek new areas for clean energy, Morocco is testing floating solar panels that function as an energy lid and also generate electricity.
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China occupies the desert with a 2 GW solar power plant in Inner Mongolia, installs elevated panels that create shade and humidity over the sand, and transforms a 2.96 billion kWh per year farm into an unexpected weapon against desertification.
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Saudi Arabia is building in Oxagon a US$ 8.4 billion mega green hydrogen plant with 4 GW of solar and wind energy, 5.6 million solar panels, and capacity to produce 600 tons per day, transforming the desert into one of the planet’s largest clean fuel factories.
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Germany and Denmark will transform Bornholm into a Baltic power island, connecting 3 GW of offshore wind power to the grids of the two countries via submarine cables and turning a real island into an international energy hub.
The Iberian Peninsula Strategy: Portugal and Spain Together in Sustainability
Portugal and Spain are not just sharing a border; they are building a sustainable electric grid. This collaboration has not only strengthened energy security but also accelerated the decarbonization of the energy matrix.
Interestingly, 82% of the energy in the Iberian Peninsula already comes from clean sources. Importing low-carbon electricity from Spain has become a key piece for Portugal’s success. It’s like watching two neighbors planting trees together and reaping the benefits of a renewable forest.
Remarkable Results and a Promising Future
Portugal closed its last coal plant in 2021, making it clear that it is committed to clean energy. The goals for 2030 are bold: over 90% of the country’s energy will be renewable.
This model is not just a milestone; it is an inspiration. The 17% decrease in gas consumption in 2024 reinforces how structural changes can transform an energy system.
Lessons from Portugal for Other Countries
So, what can other countries learn from Portugal? First, consistent public policies are essential. Strategic investments in clean infrastructure also make a significant difference. And, of course, regional partnerships like that of the Iberian Peninsula show that together we can go further.
If we want to build a sustainable future, looking at what Portugal has done is like finding a manual for instructions. It is a combination of vision, planning, and above all, flawless execution.
Why Portugal Is a Model for Renewable Energy
According to the site Xataka, Portugal is not just a pioneering country; it is an example of how to unite technology, sustainability, policy, and international collaboration to achieve what seemed impossible. It’s like watching a conductor leading an orchestra: everything is in perfect harmony.
If the question was, “Can a country sustain itself solely on renewable energy?” Portugal answers with a resounding yes. And you? Are you ready to follow this example?
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