The European champion of renewable energies in 2024 is Portugal.
In 2024, Portugal reached a new milestone in the production of renewable energy, providing almost 71% of the electricity consumed in the country. This impressive performance was made possible thanks to a significant increase in installed capacity, according to data published by the national energy network manager (REN).
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Portugal exceeds 71% of electricity from renewable sources in its energy mix in 2024 and appears as the European champion
Hydropower has dominated the energy landscape, producing 28% of the electricity consumed in Portugal. It is closely followed by wind energy, which contributed 27%. Photovoltaic energies also played a notable role with 10% of production, while biomass represented 6%. In total, Portugal produced 36.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable energy in 2024.
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The spectacular growth of photovoltaic energy
Photovoltaic energy production experienced the highest annual increase with an increase of 37%, benefiting from the rapid expansion of this technology in the national electricity system. This growth is a testimony to Portugal's commitment to a sustainable energy transition.
Hydropower maintains momentum
Hydropower production also saw an impressive growth of 24% year-on-year. This increase takes place in a context where Portugal continues to maximize its natural resources to produce clean and renewable energy.
Significant reduction in dependence on non-renewable energies
Alongside the increase in renewable generation, non-renewable energy production accounted for only 10% of total electricity consumption, with almost all of it coming from natural gas. Consumption of natural gas also fell by 17% last year, reaching its lowest level since 2003. This gas is mainly imported by sea from Nigeria (53%) and the United States (41%). .
A model of successful energy transition
This performance by Portugal highlights the possibility of effectively reducing dependence on fossil fuels while increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. The country is thus positioning itself as a European leader in terms of energy transition.
And the rest of Europe?
Although Portugal stands out with 71% of electricity from renewable sources, the rest of Europe is also making significant progress. In the first half of 2024, the European Union produced more than 50% of its electricity from renewable sources, surpassing fossil fuels. Wind and solar contributed 30% of the EU's electricity mix, surpassing the 27% of fossil fuels. Solar PV capacity in Europe is expected to reach around 1,448 GW by the end of 2024. The EU aims to install 600 GW of solar capacity by 2030. Between 2023 and 2027, Europe plans to install 129 GW of new wind farms, including 98 GW in the EU. These figures demonstrate an ambitious energy transition on a European scale.
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This article explores Portugal's spectacular progress in the production of renewable energy in 2024. With a significant contribution from hydroelectricity, wind power, photovoltaics and biomass, the Iberian country demonstrates that an ambitious energy transition is not only possible but also effective.
Source : https://www.theportugalnews.com/pt/noticias/2024-10-27/a-revolucao-das-energias-renovaveis-em-portugal-um-futuro-brilhante-pela-frente/92994
Image: Wikimedia Commons – The Bemposta Dam is part of the Bemposta hydroelectric scheme, located just upstream of the confluence of the Tormes River tributary, at the end of the international section allocated to Portugal, near the town of Bemposta , in the municipality of Mogadouro and the district of Bragança. It was commissioned in December 1964.
