During the week of April 20, solar photovoltaic (PV) generation increased across much of Europe, with notable differences between markets. Germany and Italy recorded the strongest rebounds, rising by 46% and 25%, respectively, reversing the previous week’s downward trend. France showed only a modest increase of 2.3%, continuing its gradual upward trajectory for a third consecutive week. Portugal also posted growth, with output rising by 5.4% for the second week in a row. In contrast, Spain broke its prior upward pattern, with solar generation falling by 13%, indicating a clear divergence within the Iberian Peninsula.
During the same period, several markets reached new solar production records for April. France achieved its highest ever April solar output on April 20, reaching 149 GWh. Germany followed with a new April daily peak of 444 GWh on April 22, highlighting the strength of spring irradiance conditions. Italy set an all-time solar record on April 24 with 163 GWh, while Portugal also reached its highest April level on the same day, producing 28 GWh. These records underscore the growing role of solar energy in shaping short-term electricity supply dynamics across Europe.
According to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting, solar generation is expected to increase further during the week of April 27 in key markets such as Italy, Germany, and Spain, suggesting continued volatility driven by weather conditions and seasonal effects.
Wind energy production also showed strong movement during the week of April 20, increasing in most major European markets compared to the previous week. Germany and France experienced the most significant surges, with wind generation rising by 127% and 115%, respectively, fully reversing three consecutive weeks of declines. Portugal saw a more moderate increase of 42%, reflecting steadier but less extreme wind conditions.
However, Spain and Italy moved against the regional trend. Spain recorded a fourth consecutive weekly decline in wind generation, falling by 23%, while Italy saw a decrease of 20%, despite the rebound observed in the prior week. This divergence highlights the uneven nature of wind resource availability across Southern Europe.
Forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting indicate that during the week of April 27, wind energy production is expected to decline across all analyzed markets, suggesting a potential shift back toward tighter supply conditions and greater reliance on alternative generation sources, AleaSoft reports.