As the second week of April unfolded, electricity prices across major European markets exhibited a notable decline, remaining below the levels observed in the preceding week. This trend resulted in lower weekly averages throughout the region, with the British, Portuguese, and Spanish markets being the primary exceptions, where prices saw increases of 1.3%, 182%, and 194%, respectively. The French market experienced the most significant drop, with a staggering 52% decrease. Other markets also reported reductions, with Germany’s prices falling by 5.3% and Italy’s by 12%.
During the week of April 6, most European markets maintained weekly average prices below €75/MWh. However, certain markets such as the Netherlands (€83.41/MWh), Britain (€86.03/MWh), and Italy (€119.89/MWh) surpassed this threshold. In contrast, France recorded the lowest weekly average at €33.90/MWh, followed closely by Portugal and Spain at €35.64/MWh and €36.57/MWh, respectively. The Nordic region and Belgium showed intermediate averages of €58.34/MWh and €74.29/MWh.
Examining daily price dynamics reveals that Germany recorded an exceptionally low daily average of €3.04/MWh on Monday, April 6. France and the Nordic market also posted low figures on that day, with averages of €3.47/MWh and €9.03/MWh, respectively. Conversely, Italy maintained consistently high daily prices above €100/MWh throughout the week, while the British market also saw similar trends in most sessions. Notably, on Friday, April 10, prices surged above €110/MWh in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with Italy achieving the highest daily average for the week at €129.67/MWh.
The overall decline in electricity prices can be attributed to several factors including decreasing gas prices and CO₂ emission allowances, coupled with reduced electricity demand and heightened solar energy production across many markets. However, in Spain and Portugal, rising demand combined with diminished wind and solar output contributed to upward price pressures. Forecasts indicate that electricity prices may rise again in the third week of April due to anticipated increases in demand and lower wind energy production alongside fluctuating gas prices.
