Solar photovoltaic generation trends diverged across European electricity markets during the week of June 29, with Portugal recording the strongest increase among the analysed markets. Solar PV production in Portugal rose by 12% compared with the previous week, while Spain maintained generation levels broadly in line with the previous period. In contrast, Germany, France and Italy experienced declines in solar output, reflecting changing weather conditions and solar availability across the region.
Germany recorded the largest reduction in solar photovoltaic generation, with output falling by 24% week on week. France followed with a 9.8% decline, while Italy registered the smallest decrease at 1.1%, marking its second consecutive week of lower solar production. Despite the weekly declines, several markets achieved notable milestones, highlighting the continued expansion of solar generation capacity across Europe.
Portugal and Italy reached new solar photovoltaic production records during the period. Portugal achieved an all-time daily record on 30 June, producing 35 GWh of solar electricity. Italy reached its highest-ever solar output on 4 July, with production reaching 164 GWh. Spain also recorded a significant milestone, achieving its highest solar photovoltaic generation for a July day on 5 July, with output reaching 249 GWh.
For the week beginning 6 July, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting indicated that solar generation is expected to increase in Italy and Germany, while Spain is forecast to experience a decline in photovoltaic production.
Wind power generation increased across all major European electricity markets during the same period, reversing the mixed trends seen in previous weeks. Germany recorded the strongest growth, with wind generation surging by 156% compared with the previous week. France registered the smallest increase at 9.1%, while Portugal, Spain and Italy recorded significant rises of 62%, 70% and 122%, respectively.
The growth in wind generation reflected improved weather conditions across several markets. France, Portugal and Spain continued their upward trend for the second consecutive week, while Germany and Italy recovered after experiencing declines during the previous two weeks.
Spain and Portugal achieved new July wind generation records on 2 July. Spain produced 252 GWh of wind electricity, marking its highest daily output for a July day in the last four years. Portugal reached 66 GWh, its strongest July daily wind generation level in the last five years.
Looking ahead to the week of 6 July, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s wind energy projections point to further growth in the German electricity market, while declines are expected in France, Italy and the Iberian Peninsula. The latest trends highlight the increasing influence of renewable generation variability on European electricity markets, with solar and wind output continuing to shape price dynamics and trading opportunities across the region, AleaSoft reports.
