Around 67.4% of the 2,926 GWh (gigawatt-hours) of electricity generated in mainland Portugal in May was of renewable origin, according to data from the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN), published today.
“In mainland Portugal, 2,926 GWh of electricity were generated in May 2023, 67.4% of which was of renewable origin,” APREN said in a statement, explaining that the 5.5% increase on May 2022 was due to “the 14.6% decrease in fossil incorporation, with 689 GWh generated, compared with 1,472 GWh in May 2022.”
From January to May, the electro-generation sector emitted a total of 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eq), while the renewable electricity sector avoided the emission of 4.1 MtCO2eq and the expenditure of 887 million and 374 million euros on natural gas and electricity imports, respectively, the association said.
In May, the average hourly price on the Iberian electricity market (Mibel) in Portugal was 76.1 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh), and this figure stood at 88.5 MWh for the first five months of the year combined.
According to APREN, between June 15, 2022, when the Iberian natural gas price cap mechanism came into effect, and May 31, it generated savings of €28.75/MWh, equivalent to a 14.6% reduction in the average hourly price at Mibel.
In all, 184.4 of the 260.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) generated were subject to the consumption adjustment mechanism on the Iberian peninsula.
APREN data also show that between January and May, the national electricity system recorded an import balance of 4,022 GWh, with electricity exports of 1,506 GWh and imports of 528 GWh.
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