Renewables meet 70% of Portuguese power demand

• 11 years ago (2013-04-19)
• Junior Isles

North America 1021 Renewables 776

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Portugal’s electricity network operator has released figures indicating that 70 per cent of all electricity consumed during Q1 2013 was produced from renewable energy sources.

These record-breaking figures were partly down to favourable weather conditions for hydro and wind generation, and declines in electricity consumption by Portuguese citizens.

Hydro was the biggest generation source, supplying 37 per cent of all electricity consumed in Portugal – a staggering 312 per cent year-on-year increase.

Wind power came second, supplying 27 per cent of total electricity – another unprecedented figure in Portugal – and increased 60 per cent year-on-year.

Solar power likely made only a negligible contribution to generation, though figures for the first quarter of 2013 are not yet available. In 2012 solar PV supplied only 0.7 per cent of total energy demand, equivalent to 225.5 MW.

A warm winter and fewer working days contributed to a marked 2.3 per cent decline in energy usage during Q1, while power consumption in Portugal has generally fallen over the past few years and currently stand at 2006 levels.

Renewables use has prompted a sharp decline in conventional fossil fuel use. Portugal used 29 per cent less coal and 44 per cent less gas for electricity generation in the first quarter compared to 2012 figures.