Average day-ahead wholesale electricity prices rose again in 2025. At the same time, it became clear that new generation assets alone are insufficient for the energy transition. Networks, storage and flexible demand must grow too. For property portfolios, the interaction between procurement, consumption profiles and controllability is becoming more important.
Renewables: distinguish capacity expansion from output
Expansion differed by technology in 2025: while new solar capacity was slightly below the previous year, additions of onshore wind increased substantially. This is shown in the Federal Network Agency's annual review of capacity additions.
More installed capacity does not automatically mean proportionately more electricity. Photovoltaic feed-in rose significantly, while onshore wind generation declined. Overall, renewables' share of feed-in to the public grid increased only slightly.
Network congestion: more solar curtailment
Higher solar generation increased regional electricity transport requirements. According to the SMARD review of congestion management in 2025 , curtailment of photovoltaic installations increased substantially. However, total intervention volumes remained almost unchanged; wind curtailment declined.
Network-related curtailment and commercially unattractive feed-in periods should be distinguished. The former concerns limited transport capacity, the latter market price signals. Both increase the importance of coordinated generation, storage and demand.
Price signals: flexibility becomes more important
The SMARD annual electricity market review shows a higher average day-ahead price and greater fluctuations than in 2024. Negative wholesale prices also occurred more frequently. This does not imply a general increase in all customer costs: supply contracts, procurement timing and consumption profiles are decisive.
The transition of European day-ahead trading to quarter-hour intervals has enabled more detailed price signals since October 2025. Those able to shift consumption should assess whether their technology and contract model allow them to benefit from such price differences.
Storage: assess potential at each location
Commercial and large-scale battery storage is becoming more important. Falling costs and interest in grid connections highlight its potential to shift renewable electricity over time and benefit from price fluctuations. The Fraunhofer ISE annual review documents the expansion of large battery storage.
This does not imply a general investment recommendation for property portfolios. Load profile, grid connection, operating model, costs and potential revenues of the specific project determine suitability.
What this means for property portfolios
The 2025 review supports considering energy procurement, flexible loads and storage together. A reliable foundation of metering and energy data helps assess suitable measures and manage energy procurement effectively.
NeoBid helps owners, asset managers and property managers relate these options to their portfolio and develop an appropriate procurement strategy.
