Portugal is causing a stir in the energy realm as it reduces its use of fossil fuels and amps up the production of clean electricity. With groundbreaking projects like the Tamega dam and Cerca solar farm, Portugal has significantly diminished its dependence on natural gas-fired power, setting a powerful example for the rest of Europe.
In the first seven months of 2024, Portugal’s clean electricity generation hit a record high of 21.76 terawatt hours, thanks to a 32% increase from the previous year. This surge in clean power was driven by the exceptional output from solar and wind farms, as well as the highest level of hydro generation since 2016. This remarkable progress has allowed Portugal to cut its natural gas-fired output by a whopping 60%.
The unveiling of new hydro dams and solar parks has been instrumental in Portugal’s successful energy transition. The Tamega dam and the Cerca solar farm, both with significant generating capacities, played a critical role in reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Incredibly, the total output of fossil fuel-generated electricity in Portugal has dropped by 59%, leading to a staggering decrease in total power sector emissions.
Hydro power has also emerged as a key player in Portugal’s clean energy revolution. Higher precipitation levels and the operation of the Tamega facility have led to a substantial increase in hydro generation. Pumped storage output, run-of-river generation, and reservoir-based hydro generation have all experienced impressive spikes, contributing to hydropower’s share of the electricity generation mix averaging 35.3% so far in 2024.
Moreover, solar and wind power have seen their shares of the utility generation mix rise as well. With solar power generating an average share of 13.3% and wind farms accounting for 33.1%, clean energy’s footprint is growing steadily.
Looking ahead, Portugal aims to further increase the weight of renewables in its power production in line with its goal to become carbon neutral by 2045. The government’s plan to have renewables generate 51% of the country’s final energy needs by 2030 demonstrates the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy. Additionally, innovative projects like the Alqueva floating solar park and the incorporation of a wind farm into the Tamega dam project will continue to fuel Portugal’s clean energy journey, solidifying its position as a global energy transition leader.
With continuous momentum and planned expansion in its renewable energy capacity, Portugal is set to solidify its position as Europe’s clean energy champion, inspiring the rest of the world to follow suit. This small but mighty nation is making big waves in the push for sustainable and clean energy for all.
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