March 20, a solar eclipse will disconnect from the European energy system power plants at 35 GW



    Alternative energy sources, in many ways, can replace traditional energy resources. Nevertheless, sometimes the most unexpected problems arise related to the specifics of operating "solar" stations. So, on March 20, a total solar eclipse should pass in Europe (the first since 1999). As a result, solar power plants with a total capacity of up to 35 GW will be temporarily shut off . The eclipse will last from 10:40 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Moscow time.

    Now in Europe more than 10% of all energy is generated by solar power plants, and shutting them down even for a short time can be a serious test for the entire energy infrastructure. It is worth noting that previously all this was not a problem, since in 1999 the share of “solar” energy was very insignificant for Europe - only 0.1%. Now this is a problem.

    Moreover, the problem is not that less energy will be generated for a short time, but that it will be a jump in the load - first a sharp decrease, then a sharp increase. True, if Europe is cloudy, then the problem will be leveled. According to ENTSO-E experts , provided that the weather is clear, Europe’s energy system will go 35 GW on March 20, and then energy will reappear.

    The main burden will fall on the German energy systems, where about 51% of the power will be cut off, and Italy, where about 21% of the power will be cut off. In order to avoid the negative effects of power surges, specialists plan to put into operation a reserve of fuel power stations, as well as to control the consumer load. ENTSO-E recommends that all energy system operators in Europe foresee the availability of reserve capacities on March 20.

    As for Russia, this problem will not be relevant here, since solar energy makes up only 1% in the energy infrastructure, everything else is traditional energy sources.

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