Portugal Ranks Fourth in Europe for Renewable Electricity Production
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Renewable generation totaled 39,077 GWh, covering consumption for 727 hours.
- Portugal avoided €1.165 billion in natural gas imports and €387 million in electricity imports.
- Renewables prevented about 8.5 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent emissions, saving €624 million in allowance costs.
The Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN) released data on 13 November showing that Portugal generated 39,077 gigawatt‑hours (GWh) of electricity between January and October 2026. Seventy‑three point four percent of that came from hydro, wind and solar sources, placing the country fourth in Europe for renewable electricity production.
APREN reported that renewable generation covered the nation’s entire consumption for 727 non‑consecutive hours, spread throughout the year. During those periods the average wholesale price in the Iberian Electricity Market (MIBEL) was €41.30 per megawatt‑hour, yet Portugal still relied on imported power to meet demand.
The association estimated that renewables helped Portugal avoid €1.165 billion in natural gas imports and €387 million in electricity imports, while preventing roughly 8.5 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent emissions—equivalent to €624 million in avoided emissions‑allowance costs.