In the week of July 6, solar photovoltaic generation increased across Europe’s main electricity markets compared with the previous week, supported by favourable weather conditions and strong solar irradiation. France recorded the largest weekly growth, with solar output rising by 14%, followed by Germany with a 13% increase and Italy with a 9.9% rise. Production also increased in Portugal by 7.6% and Spain by 6.3%, with Portugal extending its positive trend for the second consecutive week and Spain continuing its growth trajectory for the fourth consecutive week.
Several European markets reached new solar generation records during the week. France achieved its highest-ever daily photovoltaic production on July 6, reaching 199 GWh. Spain followed with a record 277 GWh on July 8, while Italy set a new record on July 10 with 167 GWh. Portugal and Germany also recorded their highest photovoltaic output levels ever for a July day, producing 34 GWh and 494 GWh respectively. Germany’s result marked its second-highest daily solar generation figure on record, highlighting the continued expansion of solar capacity across Europe.
Looking ahead to the week of July 13, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects solar photovoltaic production to continue increasing in Germany and Italy, while Spain is forecast to experience a decline. The outlook reflects the short-term impact of changing weather patterns, although solar generation remains a key contributor to Europe’s renewable electricity supply during the summer period.
Wind energy production followed a more mixed pattern during the week of July 6. Germany and France both recorded increases compared with the previous week, with German wind generation rising by 11% and French output increasing by 22%. Germany achieved its second consecutive weekly increase, while France continued its upward trend for the third consecutive week.
By contrast, wind generation declined in southern European markets. Portugal recorded the largest decrease, with output falling by 57%, while Spain saw a 54% reduction and Italy a 45% decline. Lower wind availability across the Iberian Peninsula and Italy contributed to the significant weekly reductions.
Germany reached another renewable energy milestone by setting a new wind power record for a July day on July 7, when production reached 788 GWh. The achievement underlined the country’s strong wind capacity base and the important role of favourable weather conditions in supporting short-term renewable electricity output.
For the week beginning July 13, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects wind production to recover in Portugal, Spain and Italy, while Germany and France are forecast to experience lower output levels. The contrasting developments in solar and wind generation demonstrate the increasing need for flexibility solutions, including battery storage, demand response and improved market integration, as Europe continues its transition toward a renewable-based power system, AleaSoft reports.
