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Eclipse could reduce solar power generation by up to 1GW.
- Grid operators have tendered for 1GW of balancing capacity.
- Eclipse could reduce solar irradiation by up to 20 per cent in Northern Germany.
In Germany, electricity grid networks are preparing for a solar eclipse that could lead to a sudden fall in solar power output by about 1GW. The solar event will occur between 9:20 am, and 11:40 am GMT on Thursday in northern Europe, according to grid operator Amprion.
This eclipse is expected to have less impact than the 2015 eclipse, which reduced output by 15GW. However, Germany’s four high-voltage grid operators will have to balance the grid as large amounts of power cannot be stored. “The network frequency has to be stable, and swings in production must be balanced,” said an Amprion spokeswoman. The operators could also utilise alternative energy sources such as coal, gas, nuclear and hydroelectric energy.
TSOs have tendered for 500MW of balancing capacity to boost supply within five minutes, and another 500MW allows them to reduce input and quickly smooth variations in supply.
The eclipse could cover up to 20% of Northern German skies and 2.5% in southern parts.