European power prices are expected to rise to around €460 per megawatt-hours during the solar eclipse on Wednesday evening, as lower solar generation coincides with peak evening demand.
According to data from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), power prices are expected to rise particularly between 7 p.m.-8 p.m. CEST (1700-1800 GMT) as the eclipse affects solar generation across parts of Europe.
The decline in solar power generation as the eclipse progresses is expected to occur alongside relatively high evening electricity demand, adding upward pressure on prices.
According to day-ahead market data from ENTSO-E and European Power Exchange (EPEX Spot), spot power prices in the German and French markets are set to reach €461.17 per megawatt-hour for the 7.45 p.m.-8 p.m. CEST delivery period, compared with around €200 per MWh for the same delivery period a day earlier.
ENTSO-E expects the solar eclipse on Aug. 12 to cause a temporary decline of up to 9.7 gigawatts in photovoltaic power generation across Europe under clear-sky conditions.
The rapid but predictable change in solar generation is expected to take place between 7.15 p.m.-9.30 p.m. CEST, with the impact expected to be particularly pronounced in Spain and Germany.
By Ebru Sengul Cevrioglu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr