TenneT is preparing for the energy impact of a partial solar eclipse due in Europe tomorrow.
The solar eclipse will pass over the Netherlands between 11.12am and 13.07am.
It could have a significant impact on the Netherlands’ energy supply due to the amount of electricity generated from solar panels.
If the weather is completely clear tomorrow, TenneT foresees a maximum reduction in solar production of 4.6GW.
Over the past four months, TenneT has been making preparations to mitigate the impact of the solar eclipse on the electricity grid.
The company has a solar eclipse team comprising Fred van Halm, Wouter Krajenbrink and Rick Scharrenberg.
Krajenbrink said: “It looks like it will be a largely sunny day on Saturday, with a chance of some clouds. In a completely clear weather scenario, we foresee a maximum reduction in solar production of 4.6GW.
“In addition, the solar eclipse will temporarily reduce the temperature, which can lead to fewer air currents and thus a decrease in wind production.
“Although such a ‘clear-sky’ scenario is unlikely to occur, we nevertheless foresee a significant decrease in solar production and possibly some wind production in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe.
“Consultations will therefore take place with the European high-voltage grid operators on Saturday morning to address any operational challenges.
“Our operators are well prepared and are monitoring the situation closely, so that the electricity supply continues undisturbed for everyone.”
Van Halm said the installed capacity of solar parks in the Netherlands has “grown enormously” in recent years and is currently 25GW peak.
“What is especially important in the event of an eclipse, however, is how quickly this power decreases and builds up again,” he added.
“Due to the increase in installed capacity, it is considerably steeper than the solar eclipse we had in 2022.
“The maximum offtake is 82 megawatts per minute, the maximum increase is 138 megawatts per minute. We have to be able to absorb that to keep our system in balance.”