Lisbon, Oct. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - Electricity consumption in Portugal between January and September reached its highest figure since 2010 for this period, totalling 39.2 terawatt-hours (TWh), REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais has announced.

According to a statement released by REN, the electricity and natural gas network managing company, on Wednesday, consumption grew by 2.6% compared to the same period in 2024, or 2.0% considering the effects of temperature and working days, exceeding the previous maximum recorded in 2010 by 0.8%. In September alone, there was a year-on-year variation of 2.2% (1.4% with corrections).

Renewable energies supplied 70% of demand in the first nine months of the year, with hydro (28%), wind (24%) and solar (13%) standing out, the latter with a year-on-year growth of 25%. Electricity produced by natural gas accounted for 14% of consumption, while 16% was covered by imports.

In September, wind power production benefited from particularly favourable conditions, reaching a productivity index of 1.37, while solar power recorded less favourable conditions (0.95).

In that month, 57% of consumption was provided by renewable sources, 17% by non-renewable sources and 26% by imports.

In the natural gas market, September saw an 18% year-on-year increase, driven by the electricity production segment, which more than doubled compared to 2024. Conventional consumption, which includes other consumers, fell by 3.4%.

Year-to-date, natural gas consumption increased by 13%, reflecting a 132% growth in the electricity sector and an 8% drop in conventional consumption.

National supply in September was provided exclusively by the Sines liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The interconnection with Spain again recorded an export balance, equivalent to around 7% of national consumption.

In the first nine months, the gas came mainly from Nigeria (49%) and the United States (39%).

SCR/AYLS // AYLS

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