Rising solar capacity makes eclipses a greater challenge; Czech grid operator ČEPS is monitoring the situation

Today, between 19:15 and 21:30, electricity generation from solar sources in Europe could fall by almost 9700 megawatts. Transmission system operators (TSOs) in European countries are preparing for the impact of the total solar eclipse expected in Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal. As solar energy’s share of electricity generation grows, coordination between transmission systems is becoming increasingly necessary.

History of eclipses’ impact on the European power system

In 1999, when a total solar eclipse could be observed over Europe, installed solar PV capacity was in the low hundreds of megawatts (roughly around 100 MW). The event therefore had virtually no significant impact on power system operation.

The first truly significant test for the European grid did not come until 2015. Although it was only a partial eclipse, its intensity and impact presented a major challenge for system operators. Preparations for the event were even coordinated by the association of European transmission system operators (ENTSO-E).