Coronavirus impacts on European power markets: Indications of market trends and changing outlooks

As national lockdowns drive an unprecedented slump in economic activity Europe’s power markets have been reshaped by weak demand and low prices. Despite the continued easing of constraints, Europe has a long and difficult path to recovery. Against this background, the influence of renewable power supply on market balance and price formation is amplified – especially where material increases in renewable production have also been seen this year or where demand is particularly weak. How has the current plight of Europe’s major power markets impacted our view of their continued development? How does the emerging outlook compare to pre-Covid expectations? Looking beyond immediate issues, this report provides insight into our unfolding view of market trends and impacts – comparing provisional country-level volumes and prices to the outlooks presented in the Q1 2020 power market reports and data.