In the week of July 6, solar photovoltaic production increased across the main European electricity markets compared with the previous week. France recorded the largest growth, with output rising by 14%, followed by Germany with a 13% increase and Italy with a 9.9% rise. Solar generation also grew in Portugal by 7.6% and Spain by 6.3%. Portugal recorded a second consecutive weekly increase, while Spain continued its positive trend for the fourth week in a row.
During the same period, France, Spain and Italy reached new all-time solar production records. France achieved its highest-ever daily photovoltaic output on July 6, generating 199 GWh. Spain followed with a record 277 GWh on July 8, while Italy reached 167 GWh on July 10. Portugal and Germany also recorded their highest solar photovoltaic production levels ever for a July day, reaching 34 GWh and 494 GWh respectively. Germany’s result represented its second-highest daily solar generation level on record.
For the week starting July 13, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects solar production to increase further in Germany and Italy, while Spain is forecast to experience a decline. The outlook reflects continued strong solar performance across Europe, although regional differences are expected due to changing weather conditions and solar irradiation levels.
Wind energy production showed a different pattern during the week of July 6, with increases recorded in Germany and France. German wind generation rose by 11%, while France saw a stronger increase of 22%. Germany achieved its second consecutive weekly rise, while France continued its upward trend for the third week in a row.
In contrast, wind production declined across southern European markets. Portugal experienced the largest drop, with generation falling by 57%, followed by Spain with a 54% decrease and Italy with a 45% decline. The reduction reflected weaker wind conditions across the Iberian Peninsula and Italy compared with the previous week.
Germany also set a new milestone in wind generation, reaching an all-time record for a July day on July 7 with production of 788 GWh. The record highlights the continued importance of wind power in Germany’s renewable electricity mix and demonstrates the impact that favourable weather conditions can have on short-term generation levels.
For the week beginning July 13, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s wind forecasts indicate a recovery in Portugal, Spain and Italy, while Germany and France are expected to see lower wind production. The contrasting solar and wind trends underline the increasing importance of flexibility solutions, including storage and demand management, as European electricity markets continue adapting to higher renewable penetration, AleaSoft reports.
