European transmission network operators have, through their association Entso-e, provided information on how they planned co-ordinated action to manage power supply and demand during a partial solar eclipse that crossed Europe (and the UK) on Saturday 29 March.
A partial solar eclipse briefly darkens the skies, leading to a temporary dip in solar power generation in many countries
For the event, which was well known, Entso-E said it activated a special team to oversee preparations and responses before, during, and after the eclipse. It said interconnection between countries, which allowe electrical power systems to support each other during situations that could pose risks to supply security, play “a vital role in these preparations” for the partial eclipse. These measures are not just for this event — they are also applied in other situations where significant fluctuations might occur.
Solar power accounted for 9.2% of EU Electricity generated in 2023. The eclipse was expected to temporarily reduce solar power generation by up to 21GW across Central Europe, depending on weather conditions. Most countries were expected to experience a noticeable decline,.
TSOs took coordinated measures to balance supply and demand. Additional backup power, including fast-acting frequency reserves, was ready if needed. Planned maintenance work on power lines was postponed and control room staff had additional training to handle any unexpected scenarios.