In a context of misinformation, it is essential to restore the truth with technical rigor. Portugal has been a European example in integrating renewable energy into its electrical system. However, after the Iberian blackout on April 28th, hasty accusations emerged, blaming renewables — without factual basis.
The truth? The incident resulted from failures in the synchronization mechanisms of the European power grid, not from renewable energy production. This article analyzes available data, debunks myths, and reaffirms the strategic role of renewables for the country’s energy autonomy and resilience.
In recent days, we have witnessed a brutal attack on renewable energy production in Portugal. Journalists, commentators, and former leaders are quick to parrot political rhetoric, pointing fingers at renewable energy as the cause of the Iberian blackout on April 28th. But the arguments are weak and misinformed.
According to information from REN and the Spanish (REE) and French (RTE) operators, what failed were protection and synchronization mechanisms of the European power grid, leading to a phase shift that ultimately caused an automatic and widespread disconnection [1][2].
From the perspective of electricity generation, Portugal is considered a European success story in the integration of renewable sources, with stability and security of supply. Frequently, more than 60% of the electricity consumed comes from renewable sources, namely hydro, wind, and solar [3]. And, as demonstrated in the black start procedure that occurred on Monday, it was possible to power the country even while disconnected from the interconnection with Spain, proving the system’s autonomy and resilience.
Renewables and Tariffs: Context is Needed
It is true that, between 2008 and 2014, incentive schemes for micro and mini-generation were supported by subsidized tariffs, as a way to boost technological development and the maturation of the sector:
- For micro-producers (up to 5.75 kW), the tariff in 2008 was €650/MWh for the first 5 years, with a revision to lower values in the following 10 years, reaching €165/MWh in its last revision. Currently, the value of active contracts is €3/MWh [4][5].
- For mini-producers (up to 250 kW), in 2011 the tariff started at €250/MWh, progressively decreasing to €151/MWh in 2013. Currently, the value of active contracts is €3/MWh [4][6].
These schemes were abolished with the entry into force of Decree-Law no. 153/2014, which completely reformed the sector. Since then, the priority has shifted to self-consumption, allowing any consumer to produce their own electricity, using it locally and selling only the surplus to the grid [7].
For projects up to 1 MW, it became possible to sell energy directly to the grid, without a subsidized tariff:
- Either through public auctions, with competitive prices;
- Or at market price, minus 10% for technical losses, even if, in the vast majority of cases, these losses are zero because they are located near consumption points.
Large-Scale Plants
In the most recent auctions, for projects above 1MW, the awarded values were globally competitive:
- 2020 Auction: minimum tariff awarded of €11.14/MWh, for a 15-year contract [9].
- 2019 Auction: average values between €14/MWh and €20/MWh, also for long-term contracts [10].
Developers are responsible for building all infrastructure connecting to the Public Service Electricity Grid (RESP), bearing the interconnection costs.
It is true that many of these large-scale projects have raised concerns regarding land use planning and environmental impact. Future investment should focus on distributed generation and collective self-consumption, which are more resilient and have a smaller territorial footprint.
Energy Autonomy: The Facts
It is important to answer, with data, the question many are asking: has the closure of coal-fired power plants in Sines and Pego compromised Portugal’s energy autonomy?
The answer is no.
During the April 28th black start, the country was disconnected from the interconnection with Spain and managed to restore supply with its own internal resources.
Before the “blackout,” Portugal had an autonomy rate of 84%, resorting to imports essentially with the aim of storing energy for later commercialization — a practice that, incidentally, was observed on the day itself until 8:00 AM. It should also be noted that Natural Gas represented only 8.7% of the energy mix at that time.
[11] REN DATA HUB: Production Breakdown and Importer Balance
Energy import is an economic decision, not a structural one.
Additionally, coal-fired power plants are not suitable for black start procedures. This requires units that can start without external support — such as hydroelectric power plants with reservoirs, gas turbines, or batteries.
So, Where Can We Improve?
If we want to strengthen the system’s resilience to future events, it is necessary to act on several fronts:
- Emergency plan for power failures – allowing coordinated management of load shedding and critical services;
- Reinforcement of power plants with black start contracts – ensuring autonomous recovery capability;
- Definitely strengthen the interconnection in the Pyrenees with Central Europe, via France;
- Study and implementation of an electrical interconnection with Morocco – diversifying connections and increasing resilience.
Renewable energy is not the problem — it is an essential part of Portugal’s energy, climate, and strategic solution. We are on the right path; it is important to reinforce technical truth and not yield to opportunistic discourses.
For businesses, this means recognizing that efficient energy management is not just an environmental issue, but also a strategic opportunity. Advanced Way supports your organization in transforming energy into a competitive advantage.
[1] REN – Technical statement on the April 28, 2025 failure.
[2] Red Eléctrica Española (REE) – Official statement, April 2025.
[3] DGEG – Rapid Energy Statistics (2023).
[4] DGEG – Micro-generation framework guide, 2008.
[5] DGEG – Reference tariffs for micro-generation, 2013-2014.
[6] DGEG – Tariffs and legislation on mini-generation, 2011-2013.
[7] Decree-Law no. 153/2014 of October 20 – Legal regime for self-consumption.
[8] ERSE – Rules for grid access and compensation for losses.
[9] Ministry of Environment – Results of the 2020 solar auction.
[10] PV Magazine – “Portugal achieves record-low solar tariff”, 2020.
[11] Production breakdown by primary source – REN Datahub.