Mar 28, 2025
TenneT is getting ready for the energy effects of the solar eclipse.
TenneT is getting ready for the energy effects of a partial solar eclipse expected in Europe tomorrow.
The solar eclipse will be visible in the Netherlands between 11:12 AM and 1:07 PM.
It may significantly affect the Netherlands' energy supply because of the electricity produced by solar panels.
If the weather is completely clear tomorrow, TenneT anticipates a maximum reduction in solar output of 4.6GW.
Over the last four months, TenneT has been taking steps to lessen the impact of the solar eclipse on the electricity grid.
The company has formed a solar eclipse team, which includes Fred van Halm, Wouter Krajenbrink, and Rick Scharrenberg.
Krajenbrink mentioned: "It appears that Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a chance of some clouds. If the weather is entirely clear, we expect a maximum decrease in solar production of 4.6GW.
"Additionally, the solar eclipse will temporarily lower temperatures, potentially resulting in reduced air currents and a decline in wind power generation.
"Although a completely clear weather scenario is unlikely, we still expect a considerable drop in solar generation and possibly some wind production both in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.
"Therefore, discussions will take place with the European high-voltage grid operators on Saturday morning to address any operational challenges.
"Our operators are well-prepared and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a stable electricity supply for everyone."
Van Halm noted that the installed capacity of solar parks in the Netherlands has "grown tremendously" in recent years, currently reaching 25GW peak.
"What is particularly crucial during an eclipse is the speed at which this power decreases and increases again," he continued.
"Due to the increase in installed capacity, the rate of change is considerably steeper compared to the solar eclipse we experienced in 2022.
"The maximum reduction is 82 megawatts per minute, and the maximum increase is 138 megawatts per minute. We must be able to accommodate this to keep our system balanced."
The solar eclipse will be visible in the Netherlands between 11:12 AM and 1:07 PM.
It may significantly affect the Netherlands' energy supply because of the electricity produced by solar panels.
If the weather is completely clear tomorrow, TenneT anticipates a maximum reduction in solar output of 4.6GW.
Over the last four months, TenneT has been taking steps to lessen the impact of the solar eclipse on the electricity grid.
The company has formed a solar eclipse team, which includes Fred van Halm, Wouter Krajenbrink, and Rick Scharrenberg.
Krajenbrink mentioned: "It appears that Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a chance of some clouds. If the weather is entirely clear, we expect a maximum decrease in solar production of 4.6GW.
"Additionally, the solar eclipse will temporarily lower temperatures, potentially resulting in reduced air currents and a decline in wind power generation.
"Although a completely clear weather scenario is unlikely, we still expect a considerable drop in solar generation and possibly some wind production both in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.
"Therefore, discussions will take place with the European high-voltage grid operators on Saturday morning to address any operational challenges.
"Our operators are well-prepared and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a stable electricity supply for everyone."
Van Halm noted that the installed capacity of solar parks in the Netherlands has "grown tremendously" in recent years, currently reaching 25GW peak.
"What is particularly crucial during an eclipse is the speed at which this power decreases and increases again," he continued.
"Due to the increase in installed capacity, the rate of change is considerably steeper compared to the solar eclipse we experienced in 2022.
"The maximum reduction is 82 megawatts per minute, and the maximum increase is 138 megawatts per minute. We must be able to accommodate this to keep our system balanced."