In 2023, renewables were responsible for 61% of electrical energy consumption in the country, a total of 31.2 terawatt-hours (TWh), the highest value ever in the national system.
From January to March, renewable production was responsible for 89% of consumption, the highest value for a first quarter since 1978, when the national system did not yet have a relevant thermal component.
In the first quarter, the hydroelectric producibility index was 1.38, the wind producibility index was 1.07 and the solar producibility index was 0.87 (historical averages of 1).
Hydroelectric energy was responsible for supplying 47% of consumption, wind energy 31%, photovoltaic energy 6%, and biomass 5%, while natural gas production supplied 11% of consumption.
The balance of exchanges with foreigners was slightly export-oriented, equivalent to around 1% of national consumption.
In March, electricity consumption registered a year-on-year growth of 1.6%, or 2.9% correcting for the effects of temperature and the number of working days, while in the quarter there was an increase of 1.1%, or 2.6% with that correction.
In the third month of the year, hydroelectric production recorded a producibility index of 1.78 (historical average of 1) and a new maximum power delivered to the grid of 7,280 megawatts (MW) on the 11th.
The wind productivity index stood at 1.15 while solar recorded a productivity index of 0.86 (historical averages of 1) and the monthly balance of exchanges with abroad was exporting, which is happening for the first time this year, equivalent to around 11% of national consumption.
Funny how some people - who, for some reason, think they are smarter than everyone else - keep saying to this day that renewables are a hoax, the same for EVs. But we are in the 21st century and some people still believe the earth is flat, so that shouldn't be surprising after all.
By Jose from UK on 04 Apr 2024, 11:28
And still so many rooftops doesn't have solar panels. Imaging when all rooftops have solar panels. No need to build large solar farms in the country!
By Lior from Lisbon on 05 Apr 2024, 11:28