Portugal recorded a new solar power generation high of around 3,850 MW in August, driven by the continued expansion of installed photovoltaic capacity, according to the latest data released by Portuguese grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN).

The record was achieved despite weather conditions being less favourable for both solar and wind generation during the month. The solar productivity index stood at 0.82, compared with the historical average of 1, while the wind productivity index reached 0.87.

According to REN, solar generation benefited from the increase in installed capacity, allowing the technology to reach a new peak despite below-average resource conditions.

At the same time, electricity consumption in Portugal continued its upward trend. Demand increased by 1.2% compared with August last year, or by 2.2% after adjusting for temperature and the number of working days.

Between January and August, electricity consumption increased by 3.1% year-on-year, or by 3% after adjusting for the same factors.

Renewables supply 52% of electricity consumption in August

Renewable generation supplied 52% of Portugal’s electricity consumption in August, while non-renewable generation accounted for 12%. The remaining 36% was covered by electricity imports.

Imports also reached a new high, exceeding 5,200 MW, following the recent upgrade of the electricity interconnection between Portugal and Spain.

Across the first eight months of the year, renewable generation supplied 66% of national electricity consumption.

Hydropower accounted for 25% of consumption, followed by wind at 23%, while solar PV supplied 13% and biomass contributed a further 5%.

Natural gas-fired generation accounted for 14% of consumption during the period, while imports covered the remaining 20%.

Between January and August, the hydroelectric productivity index stood at 1.20, above its historical average, while the wind index was 0.98 and the solar index stood at 0.82.

Natural gas consumption falls 11.9% in August

Meanwhile, natural gas consumption in Portugal fell by 11.9% year-on-year in August, mainly due to a 28% decline in demand from the electricity generation segment.

Consumption in the conventional segment, which includes all other customers, decreased by 2%.

Portugal’s natural gas supply during the month came entirely through the Sines LNG terminal, while the interconnection with Spain recorded net exports equivalent to around one-third of national consumption.

Despite the August decline, natural gas consumption increased by 2.2% year-on-year between January and August. Demand from the electricity generation segment rose by 7.4%, while conventional consumption remained broadly unchanged.

Nigeria and the United States were the main sources of gas consumed in Portugal during the first eight months of the year, accounting for 57% and 31%, respectively. Russia represented 6%, while the remaining 6% came through the interconnection with Spain.