Lisbon, April 13, 2026 (Lusa) – Electricity production from renewable sources in mainland Portugal reached 78.5% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Renewable Electricity Bulletin released by APREN – Portuguese Renewable Energy Association.
Renewable production covered the entire national electricity consumption for 571 non-consecutive hours between January and March, equivalent to approximately 23 full days, according to the report.
The association said in a statement that this performance reflects the growing maturity and resilience of the Portuguese electrical system.
The average electricity price in Portugal stood at €41.9 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for the quarter.
This figure places the country among the most competitive in Europe, while most European markets recorded values exceeding €90/MWh.
Renewable energy contributions resulted in significant savings, according to APREN calculations, meaning the country avoided approximately €239 million in natural gas imports, €324 million in imported electricity, and €166 million in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission allowances during this period.
Portugal ranks third among European countries for the incorporation of renewable energy into electricity production, trailing only Norway and Denmark.
"The first quarter of 2026 clearly confirms the structural role of renewable energies in the competitiveness of the Iberian electricity system", said APREN President Pedro Amaral Jorge. He said that Portugal and Spain recorded the lowest prices in Europe.
"In a geopolitical context still marked by volatility, it is important to highlight that solar photovoltaic production in the European Union has avoided €4.8 billion in gas imports since the start of 2026," he said, citing data from the SolarPower Europe association, reinforcing the strategic role of renewables in European energy security.
Renewable sources accounted for 77.2% of electricity production in mainland Portugal in March.
Hydropower emerged as the main source of production, accounting for 37.1% of the total, followed by wind power at 25.9%, in a month characterised by typical winter conditions and high water availability.
National electricity production nevertheless decreased by 7.2% compared to March 2025.
This drop resulted primarily from reduced wind production and lower reliance on natural gas.
"During the month, the national electricity system also recorded 166 non-consecutive hours when renewable generation sufficed to meet the entire electricity consumption of mainland Portugal, demonstrating the growing robustness of the renewable system," APREN concluded.
SCR/RYOL // ADB.
Lusa
