Portugal sets record for electricity consumption in first half of year

Portugal has set a new record for electricity consumption in the first half of this year, consuming 27,200 gigawatt-hours (GWh). This figure represents a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2025. Even after adjusting for temperature and working day effects, consumption rose by 3.3%.

Renewable energy sources played a dominant role, meeting 71% of the national demand. Hydroelectric power contributed 29%, wind energy 26%, solar photovoltaic 11%, and biomass 5%. Natural gas plants covered 14% of the demand, with the remaining 15% met through imports.

In June alone, electricity demand grew by 3% year-on-year. However, the share of renewables in June dropped to 55% due to unfavorable conditions for hydroelectric production, though this was partially offset by stronger wind generation. Notably, solar power production achieved a new instantaneous peak of nearly 3,800 megawatts on June 29.

Meanwhile, natural gas consumption fell by 9% in June compared to the previous year, primarily due to a 33% decrease in gas used for electricity generation. Consumption by other users increased by 5%. The Sines liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal received all its June supply via sea from Nigeria (55%), the United States (29%), and Russia (16%). For the entire semester, natural gas consumption rose by 6.1%, driven by a 21% increase in the electricity sector.