European transmission system operators are preparing for the August 12 solar eclipse, which is expected to temporarily reduce photovoltaic generation but pose no threat to electricity supply. French and German grid operators forecast PV output declines of around 9.7 GW and 2 GW, respectively, with the impact expected to be lower than during previous eclipses.
Europe will see a solar eclipse on August 12, with a total eclipse visible along a narrow path and a partial eclipse across much of the continent. As the moon passes between the sun and Earth, solar irradiance will temporarily decline, reducing photovoltaic generation in affected areas.
The impact will vary across countries depending on the degree of solar obscuration, weather conditions, and installed PV capacity. Transmission system operators across Europe are preparing for the temporary reduction in solar power feed-in, but do not expect the event to threaten the security of electricity supply.
German transmission system operators 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, and TransnetBW said on Friday that they are preparing for the event together with their European partners. Photovoltaic generation is expected to decline earlier than it would on a typical summer evening. However, the extent of the reduction remains uncertain and will depend largely on cloud cover.
