Europe renewables update: Solar rebounds in Iberia and France as wind output stays sharply uneven

Europe’s renewable power picture is becoming more regionally differentiated as solar output strengthens in Southern markets while wind remains prone to sharp swings. Data for the week of April 13 show solar photovoltaic (PV) generation recovering across the Iberian Peninsula and France—an important shift for traders and system operators trying to balance supply as seasonal patterns evolve.

Solar: Iberia leads the rebound, Germany and Italy slip

During the week of April 13, Portugal and Spain recorded the strongest recoveries in solar production, rising by 30% and 28%, respectively, reversing the previous week’s downward trend. France followed with a more moderate increase of 7.8%. Germany and Italy moved in the opposite direction, with solar generation falling by 19% and 17%.

The divergence also showed up in day-level performance. On April 17, three markets reached new all-time April records for solar generation: Spain led with 213 GWh, France posted 145 GWh, and Portugal reached 26 GWh—signaling growing seasonal strength for PV output in Southern Europe.

Looking ahead to the week of April 20, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting point to a mixed outlook for solar. Germany and Italy are expected to see increases, while Spain is projected to decline in photovoltaic output, reinforcing short-term regional divergence even as parts of Europe approach peak spring conditions.

Wind: broad declines after April 13; Italy bucks the trend

Wind generation across major European markets continued its downward trajectory during the week of April 13. Portugal recorded the steepest drop at 74%, followed by Germany with a 54% decline. France and Spain saw more moderate decreases of 31% and 20%, respectively.

Italy was the exception. After two consecutive weeks of decline, Italian wind production rebounded strongly on a week-on-week basis, rising by 74%—a reminder that wind variability can quickly reshape regional balances.

April 20 forecasts: higher wind expected in some markets, declines in others

For the week of April 20, AleaSoft’s wind forecasts again suggest a split pattern. Portugal, France, and Germany are expected to see higher wind output, while production in Spain and Italy is projected to decline. Together with the earlier solar data showing opposing moves between countries, the outlook highlights how both technologies are delivering increasingly fragmented regional outcomes across Europe.