Europe’s electricity system remains stable despite extreme weather

Experts from the European Commission, EU countries, Ukraine, Moldova, the Energy Community Secretariat and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) met today in an ad-hoc meeting of the Electricity Coordination Group to discuss the electricity security of supply, in light of the heatwaves and drought currently affecting parts of Europe.

The Group confirmed that there are no short-term adequacy risks, while the situation is expected to remain tight in the forthcoming week. Electricity generation has been reduced in some EU countries due to low water levels or high-water temperatures. However, coordination between EU countries and the single electricity market are allowing electricity to flow to the regions in Europe where it is most needed.

High solar generation has been very significant and helped ease pressure on electricity prices during the central hours of the day. Nonetheless, the deployment of storage remains critical to ensure that the excess of generation during peak solar hours can be used during the evening consumption peaks.

The Group also highlighted that voluntary demand-side measures in some EU countries, particularly in Hungary, have shown their added value in terms of helping the electricity system in conditions of tight generation-demand balance.

ENTSO-E also informed the Group about the ongoing preparations by transmission system operators for the solar eclipse on 12 August, given the reduction of solar generation expected during the event.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation across Europe, support coordinated action where needed and maintain regular communication with EU countries and ENTSO-E, as well as with the Energy Community Secretariat.

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• Security of electricity supply