The second week of August saw Germany and France achieve new solar generation records, against a backdrop of rising electricity demand and higher wholesale prices across Europe, according to data from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.

During the week commencing 11 August, solar photovoltaic output increased in both countries for the third consecutive week. France posted the largest week-on-week growth, with generation up by 13%, while Germany recorded an 8% rise. Both markets also hit new daily records for August: on Monday 11 August, Germany generated 437 GWh of solar power and France 155 GWh.

By contrast, southern Europe experienced declines. Solar generation fell by 9.3% in Italy, 5.8% in Portugal and 4.7% in Spain compared with the previous week.

Wind output mixed, wholesale prices climb

Wind generation displayed contrasting trends across Europe. Portugal and France led the gains with increases of 53% and 48%, respectively, after several weeks of declines. However, output continued to fall in Germany (-42%), Italy (-30%) and Spain (-25%) for the second week running.

Source: AleaSoft Energy Forecasting with data of ENTSO-E, RTE, REN, REE y TERNA.

A surge in electricity demand — driven by a heatwave that lifted average temperatures by up to 3.3 °C in France and 2.0 °C in Spain — combined with weaker wind output in several countries, pushed power prices upwards across most European markets.

In the majority of markets, average weekly prices exceeded €75/MWh. Italy posted the highest average at €113.27/MWh, while the Nordic region registered the lowest, at €28/MWh. France also remained below the European average, with €66.34/MWh.

On an hourly basis, Germany recorded the week’s highest price: €283.89/MWh on Thursday 14 August between 20:00 and 21:00.

Source: AleaSoft Energy Forecasting with data of ENTSO-E, RTE, REN, REE y TERNA.

Outlook for the week ahead

AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects solar output to rise in Spain during the week of 18 August, but to decline in both Italy and Germany. Wind generation is forecast to rebound in Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy, while France is likely to see a modest decrease.

Electricity demand is projected to grow in Germany, Spain and Italy, whereas France, Portugal, Belgium and the UK may experience reductions.