The European Union rules out a short-term electricity shortage, although it anticipates a tight situation due to the heat and drought.
The European Union maintains a stable electricity system, despite the heat waves and drought affecting various regions of the continent, the Electricity Coordination Group concluded that there are no short-term supply chain disruptions, although conditions could remain tense for the next few days.
The assessment brought together experts from the European Commission, Member States, Ukraine, Moldova, the Energy Community Secretariat and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).
Weather conditions have already affected electricity generation in some countries, low water levels and high water temperatures have limited some energy production.
The European electricity system market sustains the supply
However, coordination between countries and the single electricity market is facilitating the transfer of energy to regions where there is greater need.
This mechanism allows us to take advantage of the available capacity within the European electrical system and partially offset the generation reductions recorded in certain markets.
In addition, high solar generation is playing an important role; photovoltaic production has helped to reduce pressure on electricity prices during the middle of the day.
The challenge arises later, as solar production decreases while electricity consumption increases during the last hours of the day.
Energy storage is gaining importance
Therefore, the European Commission considers it critical to continue deploying energy storage systems capable of preserving the surpluses produced during the hours of greatest solar radiation.
This capacity would allow some of the available generation to be shifted towards the evening consumption peaks and improve the balance between generation and demand.
In addition, voluntary demand management measures have shown positive results, the Coordination Group highlighted in particular the case of Hungary where these tools helped to sustain the system during periods of tight electrical balance.
The water situation also presents a challenge for some countries, drought and high temperatures can reduce the availability of certain generation facilities and increase pressure on the grid during periods of high consumption.
ENTSO-E prepares the grid for changes in solar power generation
Furthermore, ENTSO-E reported on the preparations made by transmission system operators in anticipation of the temporary reduction in solar generation associated with the eclipse August 12th.
The growing presence of photovoltaic energy within the European system, it obliges operators to anticipate rapid variations in production and have resources capable of maintaining the balance of the network.
For the time being, the European Commission will continue to monitor the evolution of the electricity supply and will maintain coordination with the Member States, ENTSO-E and the Energy Community Secretariat.
The immediate scenario remains tight, but interconnection between countries, solar generation, energy storage, and demand management are bringing flexibility to the EU electricity system.
Source: Rigzone
Photo: Shutterstock
