In the week of May 18, electricity demand increased across most major European power markets compared to the previous week, reflecting a combination of post-holiday recovery effects and shifting temperature conditions. Germany recorded the strongest growth of 4.2%, followed by Belgium with a 3.9% increase. The Iberian Peninsula also saw moderate gains, with Spain rising by 1.7% and Portugal by 1.8%. In contrast, Italy, France and Great Britain experienced declines, interrupting the upward trend seen in the previous two weeks. The United Kingdom registered the largest drop of 5.8%, while Italy showed a marginal decrease of 0.1% and France fell by 1.3%.
During the same week, average temperatures increased across all major markets, influencing consumption patterns. Germany experienced the most pronounced rise of 7.0°C, followed by Great Britain at 6.8°C, Belgium at 6.5°C, and France at 6.1°C. Italy recorded the smallest increase of 2.7°C, while Spain and Portugal saw rises of 5.1°C and 4.6°C, respectively. These temperature changes played a key role in shaping short-term electricity demand dynamics across Europe.
Market behavior was also influenced by calendar effects and public holidays. The return to normal business activity after Ascension Day on May 14 supported higher demand in Germany and Belgium, while warmer weather conditions in France, Great Britain and Italy contributed to reduced consumption in those markets despite broader regional variability.
Looking ahead to the week of May 25, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting indicate higher electricity demand in the Iberian Peninsula and Italy, while Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and France are expected to see lower demand, largely due to the impact of the Whit Monday public holiday across several European countries, AleaSoft reports.
