Fourth week of August: demand up across most markets
Electricity demand increased across most of the major European electricity markets analyzed in the fourth week of August compared with the previous week. Italy recorded the largest rise, with demand up by 15%, while France saw the smallest growth at 2.2%. Demand also increased by 3.9% in Belgium, 3.2% in Germany and 2.3% in Great Britain. The increases in Germany and Italy ended three consecutive weeks of falling electricity demand.
Spain and Portugal see continued demand declines
In contrast, electricity demand declined in Spain and Portugal during the same period. Demand fell by 5.5% in Spain and by 2.2% in Portugal. Spain extended its downward trend to a sixth consecutive week of declines. Portugal recorded its fourth consecutive weekly decrease.
Temperature changes track with demand moves
Average temperatures rose across Germany, Great Britain, Italy, France and Belgium compared with the previous week. Germany recorded the largest increase at 1.4°C, followed by Great Britain at 1.2°C, and Italy at 1.0°C. France and Belgium registered more moderate gains of 0.4°C and 0.1°C, respectively.
Average temperatures declined significantly in Portugal and Spain over the same timeframe. Temperatures fell by 2.2°C in Portugal, followed closely by Spain where the average temperature dropped by 2.1°C. The lower temperatures were linked to weaker electricity demand in Spain and Portugal, while warmer conditions supported higher consumption in markets where temperatures increased.
AleaSoft forecasts for the week starting August 31
For the week beginning August 31, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting indicate expected changes in electricity demand across several markets. Demand is forecast to increase in Portugal and Spain, according to AleaSoft reports.
AleaSoft also expects demand to decline in Italy, Belgium, France, Great Britain and Germany for the same forecast period.