Portugal has climbed into the world’s top ten for clean electricity. Recognition from international energy bodies reflects what’s visible on the ground: turbines along the Atlantic, solar parks across the Alentejo, and hydro smoothing the peaks and dips.
Portugal’s clean electricity milestone
Portugal now sits in the global top 10 for clean electricity thanks to a big share of its power being generated by renewables. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted this in October 2025, noting Portugal as one of the countries with the largest share of renewables in its electricity mix.
Day to day, this means the electricity running homes and businesses in Portugal is getting cleaner and less tied to imported gas. It’s good for climate goals and can help steady bills over the long run.
How Portugal’s power got so clean
Portugal’s electricity has become much greener as wind and solar have expanded on top of long‑standing hydropower. Pumped‑storage plants help store excess wind and midday solar and release it later. That way, more local wind and sun, plus smarter use of water, underpin the country’s cleaner power mix.
According to REN (Redes Energéticas Nacionais), in January 2025, renewables covered about 72% of electricity consumption, with 34% from wind power, 28% hydroelectric power, 5% from solar power, and 5% from biomass.
Wind, solar and water: Portugal’s clean power trio
- Wind: Onshore wind is the workhorse, especially along the Atlantic‑facing north and centre. When wind lulls, the system can feel it, as seen in February 2025, when lower wind meant more imports despite a very green month overall.
- Solar: Big parks in sunny Alentejo and Algarve, plus widespread rooftops, now make a visible dent in midday demand.
- Hydro: Reservoirs in the north and interior, from the Douro basin up towards Minho, provided the largest single slice of clean power over the first nine months of 2025.
What clean electricity means for people and businesses in Portugal
The IEA has highlighted Portugal among the global top ten for clean electricity. That shift reduces exposure to imported gas and the price spikes tied to it. Though the mix still moves with the weather, overall, it points to a cleaner grid and, over time, potentially steadier bills.
For households, interest in rooftop solar keeps rising, especially across Lisboa and Porto, and simple habits like running big appliances at sunnier, windier hours can trim costs. Cleaner power also feeds into quality‑of‑life perceptions alongside safety, healthcare and work–life balance, with Portugal also in the global top ten for countries with the best quality of life.
For businesses, greener sourcing through long‑term power contracts is becoming more common, helping firms lock in costs and show progress on sustainability. The broader context matters too: the IEA expects global renewable capacity to more than double by 2030.
What to watch next in Portugal’s clean electricity story
- More solar parks and onshore wind slated to connect, plus the first steps toward offshore wind and battery storage.
- Upcoming renewable tenders and grid upgrades that can speed connections and cut bottlenecks.
- Watch‑outs: hydropower depends on rainfall, so output jumps in wet spells and drops in dry years. Portugal saw record hydro output on 4th January 2023 after heavy rain, but 2022’s drought cut annual hydro generation by 36%.
Stay in the know about living in Portugal as a foreigner—get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
Portugal's best forests to explore in autumn
Autumn is one of the most magical times to discover Portugal’s natural beauty. As the warmth of summer fades and the air becomes crisp, Portugal’s forests transform into stunning landscapes of red, gold, and orange. With fewer tourists and more affordable travel options, autumn is perfect for exploring the country’s woodlands and national parks.
Step into Portugal’s most isolated ghost village
Nestled in the heart of the Serra da Freita, in the municipality of Arouca, the village of Drave is a true ghost town. Abandoned for nearly two decades, it has no accessible roads, electricity, or basic services—reaching it requires a walk along rugged mountain trails.
Portugal’s first surf wave pool
There’s a first‑of‑its‑kind surf spot taking shape inland near Lisbon, trading tides and guesswork for a more controlled kind of session. Expect dependable sets and a mellow scene that still tastes of bacalhau and sea salt.
Things to do in October in Portugal: festivals, fairs, and autumn runs
October in Portugal has that first-hint-of-autumn feel. Grape juice on your trainers in the Douro, chestnut smoke in the lanes, soft light on the castles, and a steady run of food and film events in the cities. You'll get calmer beaches, busy cultural calendars and the odd Atlantic downpour while getting stuck into the things you can do in October in Portugal.
7 unmissable destinations to enjoy October in Portugal
As summer comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next holiday. October offers mild, pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making it one of the best months to explore Portugal.
National Castle Day in Portugal: key events and unmissable castles
With National Castle Day on the horizon, picture Portugal’s hilltop fortresses and coastal bastions opening up with special goings‑on behind the gates. A neat excuse to wander ramparts and explore a stretch of the Romanesque Route.
Republic Day in Portugal 2025: history, meaning and what to expect
Commemorating the 1910 revolution that ended the monarchy, Portugal’s Republic Day sits at the heart of the national calendar. The date is remembered as a reset of Portugal’s political life in the 20th century, with official ceremonies across Lisboa, Porto and beyond.