Solar power returned to the top of Portugal’s electricity generation mix in August, accounting for 23.7% of generation, narrowly ahead of wind power at 23.3%, according to the August 2026 Renewable Electricity Bulletin published by the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN).

Renewables accounted for 69.2% of electricity generation in mainland Portugal during August, with renewable sources producing 2,298 GWh out of a total 3,320 GWh generated during the month.

Solar and wind were followed by hydropower, with 14.9% of the generation mix, and bioenergy, with 7.3%. APREN highlighted the complementary contribution of solar and wind during the month, which together represented almost half of Portugal’s electricity generation.

Renewables reach 74.4% from January to August

Between January and August 2026, renewables accounted for 74.4% of electricity generation in Portugal, placing the country fourth among the European countries analysed by APREN.

Portugal ranked behind Norway, at 97.4%, Denmark, at 95.4%, and Austria, at 79.9%.

During the first eight months of the year, renewable generation was sufficient to cover 100% of electricity consumption in mainland Portugal for 707 non-consecutive hours. In August alone, the country reached this level of renewable self-sufficiency for 14 hours.

Renewable generation avoids €1.67 billion in costs

The increase in renewable generation also contributed to reducing Portugal’s energy and environmental costs. Between January and August, renewables enabled the country to avoid €809 million in natural gas imports and €374 million in electricity imports, according to APREN.

A further €492 million in CO2 emission allowances was avoided, corresponding to 7.0 MtCO2eq of emissions avoided.

Overall, APREN estimates that renewable energy generated more than €1.67 billion in savings for Portugal during the first eight months of 2026.

Meanwhile, the average MIBEL electricity price in Portugal stood at €65.5/MWh over the January-August period.

APREN highlights solar-wind complementarity

Susana Serôdio, APREN’s Coordinator of Policy and Market Intelligence, highlighted the complementary role of solar and wind in Portugal’s electricity mix.

She said the August results demonstrated how the two technologies worked together to account for almost half of national generation. Serôdio also said renewables were already contributing to lower electricity prices and acting as an important driver of the Portuguese economy, while arguing that Portugal could further convert its renewable resources into investment, wealth and competitiveness.