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UK braces for power shortfall as solar eclipse knocks out solar output
Grid operator Neso says the eclipse is expected to reduce solar generation by 300 megawatts to 1,100MW while peak demand from the fifth heatwave boosts electricity use.
Great Britain is preparing for an electricity supply shortfall on Wednesday evening as a near total solar eclipse is expected to sharply reduce solar power generation, according to Guardian Business. The National Energy System Operator, Neso, issued an official alarm saying there is not enough generation expected to meet demand as the moon blocks up to 95% of the sun over parts of the country.
The eclipse is forecast to wipe out between 300 megawatts and 1,100MW of solar power, just as the fifth heatwave of the summer increases electricity demand for air conditioning, fans, and refrigeration. Neso first anticipated a shortfall of more than 1,700MW and later said in a second notice that the gap remained about 1,200MW.
Neso said the warning notice is a routine tool, asking the energy market to make any additional capacity available, and described it as precautionary because there is no risk to customer electricity supplies. To cover the shortfall, the operator is expected to make payments to energy generators, with the costs covered through consumer energy bills.
The looming eclipse has also pushed electricity market prices higher, Guardian Business reported, with prices rising to more than £211.4 per megawatt-hour at 7pm, the highest level since June 30. Market analysts at LCP Delta said if prices stay elevated, this could translate into higher offers to gas power plants used to fill the gap.