Europe Could Lose Nearly 10 GW of Electricity Due to Solar Eclipse

Baku: The solar eclipse set to occur on August 12 is anticipated to induce a temporary reduction in solar power generation across Europe, as indicated by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), APA-Economics reports. As the Moon aligns with the Sun, a notable drop in photovoltaic (PV) electricity output is expected.

According to ENTSO-E, under optimal weather conditions, Europe might witness a decrease in PV electricity generation by as much as 9.7 GW. This will lead to a swift but foreseeable shift in electricity production. Observations of this change are scheduled from 19:15 to 21:30 Central European Summer Time, equivalent to 21:15 to 23:30 Baku time.

ENTSO-E highlights that transmission system operators have proactively instituted measures to maintain the safe and stable functioning of Europe's electricity framework. Personnel at electricity system control centers have received prior notifications, and market entities have been alerted about the potential decline in solar power output. Spain and Germany are expected to experience the most significant impact from this decrease in solar power generation.

The solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will not be visible in Azerbaijan. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory named after Nasreddin Tusi reports that the eclipse will commence at 19:34 Baku time and conclude at 23:57, with the peak phase occurring at 21:46.