Portugal cements its place as a renewable energy powerhouse in the EU

Portugal is continuing to build on its status as one of Europe’s leading renewable energy nations, placing firmly among the top European Union countries for energy consumption derived from renewable sources.

Figures reported by idealista show that Portugal is currently the EU’s seventh-largest consumer of renewable energy, with renewables accounting for 36.3% of total national energy use.

This puts the country well ahead of the European Union average of 25.2%, underlining Portugal’s sustained and long-term commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

Portugal’s progress has also been recognised on a global level. In 2025, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Fostering Effective Energy Transition report ranked Portugal within the global top 10 for clean energy transition performance.

Across the EU as a whole, the share of renewable energy in total consumption continues to rise, although the pace of change remains slower than policymakers would like. In 2024, renewables represented 25.2% of overall energy consumption across the bloc.

Portugal stands well above the EU renewable energy average

Within this wider European picture, Portugal’s performance is particularly notable. While it does not reach the levels achieved by some northern European countries, it remains securely positioned within the EU’s top 10.

Eurostat data shows Sweden leading the rankings, with 62.8% of its energy consumption coming from renewable sources, followed by Finland and Denmark, both of which benefit from strong renewable infrastructure and favourable natural conditions.

Portugal’s seventh-place ranking reflects decades of targeted investment in renewable technologies, especially wind, hydroelectric and solar power.

Supported by its geography and consistent backing from both public and private sectors, renewable energy has become a cornerstone of Portugal’s national energy strategy.

As a result, the country is frequently highlighted as a model for how smaller EU economies can achieve meaningful progress in energy transition without undermining energy security.

Portugal is also actively promoting investment into sustainable energy, with one prominent route being the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme.

Under the Portugal Golden Visa, investors can invest €500,000 in qualifying alternative investment funds, several of which direct capital towards renewable energy projects and other clean technology initiatives. This offers investors an opportunity to combine impact-driven investment with access to European residency.

Golden Visa capital continues to fuel sustainable energy investment

The Golden Visa programme provides residency rights in Portugal, along with visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries, while requiring a minimum physical presence of just seven days per year.

In addition to renewable energy, a number of Portugal’s alternative investment funds pursue diversified strategies, allocating capital across sectors where the country demonstrates strong long-term growth prospects.

This diversified approach is particularly attractive to investors seeking stability alongside exposure to high-growth sectors, helping to mitigate the risks associated with concentrating investment in a single area.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal, said: “A multi-sector approach to investment—spanning sectors such as luxury hospitality and tourism, renewable energy, media, healthcare, and technology —not only aligns with Portugal's dynamic economic landscape but also creates a resilient portfolio that thrives across sectors."

As the European Union intensifies its efforts to move away from fossil fuels, Portugal’s track record and continued momentum position it among the countries best placed to contribute to — and benefit from — a cleaner, more resilient European energy system.

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Contact Portugal Future Fund to invest in Portugal's Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme

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About Portugal Future Fund

The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Future Fund website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Portugal Future Fund operates under CMVM regulations but is not directly endorsed by the CMVM or any governmental entity.