Renewable energy continues to strengthen energy security and reduce electricity system costs in Portugal. The country generated 72.7% of its electricity from renewable sources in May 2026 and recorded 79 hours during which renewable generation was sufficient to meet total national electricity demand, according to the latest Renewable Electricity Bulletin published by APREN.

Between 1 and 31 May, renewable energy sources produced 2,651 GWh out of the 3,648 GWh generated in mainland Portugal. Hydropower led generation with a 24% share, followed by wind energy (22.8%), solar photovoltaics (19.8%), and bioenergy (6%).

During the month, the Portuguese electricity system accumulated 79 non-consecutive hours in which renewable generation fully covered national demand. Since the beginning of 2026, the country has operated on 100% renewable electricity for a total of 737 hours.

Source: APREN | Graphic: Review Energy

Over €1 billion in savings

According to APREN, renewable generation between January and May avoided €442 million in natural gas imports and €351 million in electricity imports, while also delivering an additional €290 million in savings related to CO? emissions allowances.

Overall, these technologies reduced Portugal’s energy dependence and associated electricity system costs by more than €1.08 billion during the first five months of the year.

Average electricity prices down 27.2%

The association also highlighted the impact of renewables on electricity prices. While the average price in the Iberian electricity market (MIBEL) in Portugal reached €86.1/MWh in May, the cumulative average between January and May fell to €44.5/MWh, representing a 27.2% decrease compared with the same period in 2025.

Portugal remains among Europe’s renewable leaders

With renewables accounting for 76.3% of electricity generation, Portugal consolidated its position as Europe’s third-leading country in renewable electricity penetration, behind Norway at 96.7% and Denmark at 94.3%.

Susana Serôdio said the results reflect the country’s progress in integrating clean energy, while stressing the need to accelerate investment, remove administrative barriers, and optimize grid infrastructure to fully unlock Portugal’s renewable energy potential.

Renewable capacity now accounts for nearly 80% of installed power

The bulletin also shows that, by the end of April 2026, renewable energy sources represented 79.4% of total installed capacity in mainland Portugal.

Installed renewable capacity has increased by 82.6% over the past decade, further supporting the decarbonization of Portugal’s electricity system.