In early May, solar photovoltaic (PV) generation saw significant increases across Western Europe, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula and France. Spain led the charge with a notable rise of 10%, while Portugal and France followed closely with growth rates of 8.8% and 5.9%, respectively. This surge in solar output starkly contrasts with the declines reported in Germany and Italy, where solar production fell by 30% and 18%, respectively, reversing their previous upward trends.
On specific days during this period, both Spain and France achieved record-breaking solar outputs for May. On May 6, Spain set its highest-ever solar PV generation for that time of year at 229 GWh, while France established a new May record on May 8 with an output of 160 GWh. These achievements underscore the growing capacity and efficiency of solar technologies in these regions.
Looking ahead to the week of May 11, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting suggest a potential recovery in solar production across Germany, Spain, and Italy. This anticipated rebound could signal a return to more stable generation patterns following the mixed performance observed in early May.
In contrast to the positive trends in solar energy, wind energy generation exhibited a contrasting pattern during the same period. The Iberian markets experienced substantial gains, with Portugal reporting a remarkable increase of 171% in wind output, while Spain saw a more modest rise of 3.1%, marking its second consecutive week of growth.
However, northern European markets faced significant challenges, with Germany experiencing the steepest decline in wind generation at 41%. France followed with a decrease of 36%, both extending a downward trend that has persisted for two weeks. Italy also continued its negative trajectory for a third consecutive week but recorded a smaller decline of 2.0%.
For the second week of May, forecasts indicate an expected rebound in wind energy production across Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Conversely, Portugal is projected to see a decline in wind output, highlighting ongoing short-term volatility within European renewable energy generation patterns as reported by AleaSoft.
