Portugal is a very popular holiday destination for Northern Europeans. Situated on the very western edge of southern Europe, a few short miles from North Africa, the sun shines aplenty. Being also blessed with a long Atlantic coast providing prevailing winds, presenting Portugal a fortunate opportunity for wind and solar power generation.

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They are also well positioned but as yet underdeveloped for wave and tidal power. Technology in this area has a way to go before it is viable, so perhaps it is wiser to concentrate on the more advanced renewable sources first.

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With a comparably low rainfall, they have _q_ utilised hydro electric generation very well. _q_

Portugal consistently generates over 90% of its electricity from hydro, wind and solar generation. For several days last year they actually generated more electricity from renewable sources than the entire country used.

In quick time Portugal has become a world leader in renewable electricity. At the turn of the century less than 30% of their electricity was from renewable sources. This was still a decent figure back then, and with steady additions and improvements, by 2017 over 50% was achieved. Since then progress has been swift. All coal power stations have closed. Natural gas is the only non renewable energy used to make up the usually less than 10% deficit not currently generated by greener methods.

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To ensure supply security the remaining gas power stations will likely remain open for some time to come. It is likely that with continued growth, _q_ Portugal will soon become a regular net exporter of power. _q_ They certainly have far more wind power potential and have current plans to more than double capacity.

About The Author
Markus Woznica
Chewells Contributor

Markus is a renewable energy expert. The technology in this sector is changing fast. There is a... »

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