Solar photovoltaic generation declined across most major European electricity markets during the week of 13 July, while wind power output increased in most markets, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.
France recorded the largest weekly decline in solar PV generation, at 14%, followed by Spain with a 5.4% drop. Italy and Germany posted more moderate decreases of 1.6% and 1.0%, respectively. Portugal bucked the broader trend, with solar PV output increasing by 2.9% and marking its third consecutive week of growth.
Portugal also continued to strengthen its position in terms of daily solar production records. During the week, the country again surpassed its previous all-time record for solar PV generation on a July day, which had been set on 7 July. On 16 July, solar PV output reached a new record of 34 GWh.
For the week beginning 20 July, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects solar generation to decline across all major European electricity markets covered by its analysis. The forecast points to a broader short-term correction after the strong production levels recorded in Portugal and the continued expansion of solar output across the region.
Wind generation followed a different trajectory during the third week of July. Output increased in most major European electricity markets compared with the previous week. Italy recorded the largest increase, at 22.0%, followed by Spain with a 12% rise and France with a 6.5% increase.
Germany was the main exception, with wind power generation falling by 28%. Portugal also recorded a more moderate decline of 5.4%, highlighting the contrasting weather conditions affecting Europe’s major renewable markets.
France nevertheless set a new all-time record for wind generation on a July day on 13 July, with output reaching 215 GWh. The record illustrates the continued volatility of wind generation, where strong production on individual days can coexist with significant week-on-week fluctuations.
For the fourth week of July, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting forecasts higher wind generation across the main European electricity markets, while France is expected to record a decline. The contrasting solar and wind outlooks underline the increasingly weather-dependent nature of European power markets and the growing importance of flexibility, storage and cross-border interconnection capacity, AleaSoft reports.
