The Solar Eclipse on August 12 will lead to a temporary decrease in photovoltaic energy production in Europe, but grid operators say no disruptions in electricity supply are expected.
The national operator of the electricity transmission network in France, RTE, has anticipated a rapid but temporary decrease in photovoltaic production during the solar eclipse on August 12, which will cross Europe.
"In a few tens of minutes, the decrease and then the return of solar light will cause rapid variations in photovoltaic production," RTE transmitted in a statement quoted by Le Figaro.
During the eclipse on August 12, the Sun will be completely covered in some areas of Europe, such as northern Spain, and partially in other regions, including Romania.
The highly anticipated phenomenon represents a technical challenge for grid operators, who are tasked with maintaining a constant balance between supply and demand for electricity.
At the peak moment of the eclipse, European solar production is expected to decrease by nearly 9,700 MW, equivalent to 3.7% of installed solar capacity in the EU.
The astronomical event will be monitored by the association of European energy operators. RTE told AFP that it does not foresee "any impact on French consumers" regarding electricity supply, as the eclipse will occur at the end of the day, after the peak solar production periods have passed.
RTE emphasizes that such astronomical phenomena are now well-known to grid operators, and energy systems are prepared to manage rapid fluctuations in solar energy production.