Madeira's 2023 Energy Mix: More Photovoltaic, Less Renewables

Madeira's 2023 Energy Mix: More Photovoltaic, Less Renewables

Madeira is consuming more energy and generating additional energy from the sun. Yet the share of renewables is decreasing.

Photovoltaic & Thermal Sources Are Gaining Ground

In 2023, Madeira witnessed a 2.7% rise in electrical energy production compared to the previous year. The production mix, totaling approximately 934.9 GWh, exhibited notable changes with an increased contribution from photovoltaic sources (+10.5%) and thermal sources (+9.8%). However, there was a considerable decline in hydro (-23.2%) and wind (-15.1%) sources. The stark decline could possibly be attributed to a lack of rainfall or generally lower water levels in 2023.

4.6% Decrease in Share of Renewable Energies

Interestingly, the share of used electrical energy from thermal sources observed a significant uptick, rising from 67.5% in 2022 to 72.1% in 2023. Since thermal energy can be considered a non-renewable energy source, this resulted in a corresponding decrease in the share of renewables from 32.5% to 27.9% during the same period.

Use of Natural Gas Sees a Slight Decline

Natural gas, a non-renewable energy source, is a key component in the energy mix, constituting 13.2% of total electrical energy production in 2023, experiencing a slight 1.8% drop compared to the previous year. This shift highlights a continued diversification in energy sources. In the 4th quarter of 2023, the electricity emission reached 239.4 GWh, marking a 4.2% year-on-year increase. This statistic underscores the growing demand for electricity and the need for sustainable practices in energy production.

From: JM-Madeira

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