AleaSoft Energy Forecasting, April 21, 2026. The analysis table of the Spanish version of the 65th monthly webinar, held on April 16 under the title “Prospects for energy markets in Europe”. The role of energy storage”, highlighted the growing importance of storage in European electricity markets. In a context characterised by high renewable energy penetration, price volatility and the emergence of structural signals such as photovoltaic cannibalisation, storage is becoming an essential element for the flexibility of the electricity system.
The webinar in Spanish featured Raúl García Posada, Director of ASEALEN, and Oriol Saltó i Bauzà, Associate Partner at AleaSoft Energy Forecasting, and was moderated by Antonio Delgado Rigal, CEO of AleaSoft. During the session, participants analysed the recent evolution of European electricity markets, the economic and geopolitical context, and the development of storage, followed by a panel discussion that explored the current situation and prospects for the sector in greater depth.
Photovoltaic cannibalisation and market signals
The expert panel analysis showed that electricity markets are sending clear signals about the need to increase energy storage capacity. The growth of photovoltaic energy production has been faster than the development of demand, grids and storage, creating imbalances in the system.
These imbalances are reflected in low captured prices and in the increasing occurrence of zero or negative price hours, particularly during the middle of the day. This behaviour reflects a structural phenomenon associated with high photovoltaic energy penetration.
Price volatility and widening spreads
The geopolitical context was also analysed, particularly the impact of the conflict in Iran through higher gas prices. This effect is reflected in the hours when gas sets the price, especially during night‑time peaks, while solar hours remain at low levels.
As a result, intraday volatility increases and price spreads between hours widen, creating new opportunities for storage. This environment reinforces the value of batteries as a tool to manage flexibility and optimise operations across different markets.
Financing, regulation and contract evolution
The panel also addressed the storage and renewable energy project financing. Renewable energy projects without storage face greater difficulties due to declining captured prices and the weakness of the PPA market.
In this context, hybridisation with batteries is gaining prominence. However, the economic analysis of storage is more complex, as its value depends on operation across different markets, such as the day‑ahead market, intraday markets and balancing services.
From a regulatory perspective, progress has been identified, although there are still aspects to be defined, such as access and connection, capacity mechanisms and the development of flexibility markets.
Regarding PPA contracts, it was noted that they will remain a relevant tool, although they will need to evolve towards more sophisticated models that integrate storage and allow delivery profiles to be adapted to consumer needs.
Electricity system prospects
The panel’s conclusions indicate that energy storage has become one of the essential elements of the electricity system. Low prices at certain times do not reflect a loss of electricity value, but rather a temporary signal within a structural transformation.
The future of the electricity system lies in a combination of renewable energy production, storage, active demand management and high‑quality energy forecasting, with a prominent role for photovoltaics paired with batteries.
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s analysis on the prospects and opportunities in European electricity markets and storage
On May 21, 2026, at 10:00 CET, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting will hold the 66th webinar in its monthly series, entitled “Energy markets in Europe and storage: prospects and opportunities”. The session will focus on analysing the evolution and prospects of European electricity markets and their impact on storage, as well as the role of batteries in the system, their revenues and associated opportunities.
The webinar will feature Alejandro Diego Rosell, consultant and energy sector specialist, together with Oriol Saltó i Bauzà, Associate Partner at AleaSoft, and will be moderated by Alejandro Delgado Fornaguera, Associate Partner at AleaSoft. The session in Spanish will include a panel discussion addressing current electricity system dynamics in a context characterised by increasing renewable energy penetration, price volatility and regulatory evolution.
In this context, forecasts of prices, demand and renewable energy production are essential for decision‑making. AleaSoft Energy Forecasting provides advanced forecasting models that enable price estimation across different time horizons, analysis of battery revenues in spot, intraday and balancing markets, evaluation of hybridisation strategies with renewable energy and quantification of risks under different scenarios.
These analyses are key for project financing, PPA structuring, asset valuation and the design of hedging strategies in an increasingly complex electricity system.
Source: AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.