France, Italy, Spain set daily solar records

France, Italy and Spain set all-time records for solar energy production last week, according to analysis from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.

The Spanish consultancy found France reached its all-time high on July 6, recording 199 GWh. Spain broke its record two days later when its reached 277 GWh, while Italy registered a new record on July 10, with 167 GWh.

Germany recorded its second-highest figure in history, generating 494 GWh on July 10, which also represented its highest figure during a day in July. Portugal also broke its record for solar generated in July when it reached 34 GWh on July 7.

Despite these new solar records, AleaSoft found some markets recorded an increase in their weekly average electricity price during the second week of July.

The consultancy logged an increase in the weekly average electricity price across the French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish markets, as well as in the British and Nordic markets. In contrast, the German, Belgian and Dutch markets recorded a drop in their weekly average electricity price.

The Italian market had the highest weekly average of the analyzed markets, at €144.09 ($164.22)/MWh, followed by the British market, at €118.92/MWh. On the other end of the scale, the Nordic and French markets recorded the lowest averages, at €56.68/MWh and €92.42/MWh.

AleaSoft says the upward trend in prices across most markets was driven by higher electricity demand in some cases, such as France and Great Britain, while lower wind energy production in Italy, Spain and Portugal also contributed to the price hikes.

Prices were also pushed up by higher CO2 emission allowance and gas prices, AleaSoft adds.

CO2 emission allowance futures in the EEX market for the reference contract of December 2026 reached their maximum settlement price, of €81.81/t, on July 6, which AleaSoft says marks the highest level since February 5.

TTF gas futures in the ICE market from the Front-Month reached their maximum settlement price, of €50.10/MWh, on July 9, the highest price recorded since May 20, according to AleaSoft’s analysis.

The consultancy says gas futures prices rose due to intensified hostility between the United States and Iran that threatened liquefied natural gas (LNG) traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The new military attacks between the two countries increased perceived risks to LNG supplies from the Persian Gulf and pushed prices upward during much of the week,” AleaSoft explains. “On Friday, July 10, prices declined slightly after signs indicated that the United States and Iran continued diplomatic talks. However, European gas inventory levels remained below the five-year seasonal average and continued to support prices above €48/MW.”

AleaSoft is expecting this week to bring further increases to the weekly average electricity price as demand in some markets increases and gas prices continue to shape trends across markets. Solar energy production is expected to increase in Germany and Italy but fall in Spain.