Solar output climbs across southern Europe
Renewable generation patterns across Europe shifted again in the week of March 23, with solar photovoltaic output rising in most major southern European markets versus the prior week. Portugal led the improvement, recording a 31% increase. Italy and Spain extended their gains for a third consecutive week, posting increases of 19% and 13%, respectively. By contrast, Germany saw an 11% decline and France fell marginally by 0.1%, undoing the growth seen the week before.
Spain and Italy set new March solar benchmarks
Solar performance also translated into record-setting daily generation in two key markets. Spain reached a new all-time record for March solar photovoltaic generation on Tuesday, March 24, producing 194 GWh. Italy followed on March 25 with an all-time March record as well, generating 139 GWh. These milestones are likely to matter for system operators and balancing teams as they plan for higher midday output and associated grid management needs.
Forecasts point to continued strength in Italy and Spain
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects the positive solar trajectory to persist during the week of March 30 for both Italy and Spain. At the same time, the forecast indicates photovoltaic production is projected to decrease in Germany. For developers and EPC preparation teams, such week-ahead signals can influence assumptions used in operational readiness planning, including dispatch expectations and grid integration studies that feed into CAPEX scheduling decisions.
Wind generation rises broadly, but diverges by country
Wind energy production also increased across most major European markets during the week of March 23 compared with the previous week. Italy recorded the largest rise at 78%, marking its second consecutive week of growth. Germany followed with a 72% increase, while Spain rose by 47%. France increased by 18%, whereas Portugal moved in the opposite direction with a 2.3% decline.
Next-week wind outlook varies across key grids
Looking ahead to the week of March 30, AleaSoft forecasts that wind energy production will increase in Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany. The outlook diverges for Italy, where wind generation is expected to decline. For utilities, grid modernization planners, and battery energy storage operators, these country-level shifts reinforce the need for flexible balancing strategies that align with variable renewable profiles.
Overall, the combination of record solar days in Spain and Italy alongside broad-based wind gains—tempered by declines in Germany’s PV output and Italy’s expected wind weakness—highlights how rapidly regional supply conditions can change. For industry stakeholders involved in transmission infrastructure planning and BESS integration studies, the latest production signals underscore the importance of updating operational assumptions used in engineering workstreams and procurement readiness for next phases of grid-connected renewable buildout.