Heat wave increases solar energy production - Ember Analysis/ Up to 17% more in Europe
The heat wave in Europe has led to a significant increase in solar energy production, helping European countries cope with high demand for electricity during days of extreme temperatures.
According to an analysis published by energy research organization Ember, solar production in some European countries increased by up to 17% during heatwave days in June and July.
The researchers point out that solar energy played an important role in supplying the grid at a time when energy demand increased by up to a quarter due to high temperatures. The increase is mainly related to the greater use of air conditioners, which require significant amounts of energy.
According to Ember's analysis, during the heat wave in late June, daily energy demand increased by 28% in Italy, 23% in Hungary, 14% in France and 13% in Spain, compared to the days before the heat wave.
In the same period, solar energy was the main energy source that performed better than usual. Average daily solar production during heat waves increased by 17% in France and Hungary, by 5% in Spain, while in Italy it remained at levels similar to normal days.
However, extreme temperatures and drought created problems for other sources of energy production. Low water levels on the Danube River forced Hungary to limit nuclear power generation, while hydroelectric power plants in the Alpine region approached their lowest levels ever recorded.
Fossil fuel energy production was also affected by water shortages. In Poland, a coal-fired power plant was forced to reduce production due to critical water levels in the Vistula River.
The heatwaves also led to significant increases in energy prices. In late June and early July, average daily energy prices rose by 119% in Hungary, 44% in France, 13% in Italy and 7% in Spain, compared to the previous week.
Experts estimate that the price increase indicates the need for greater investments in battery energy storage systems, which enable the storage of excess energy produced by solar panels and its use during hours when solar production falls.
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