Strong winds and low energy consumption once again generated an overproduction of electricity on Sunday, with market prices turning negative and wind turbines having to be stopped.
Though not unusual, the phenomenon has occurred with greater frequency lately. Especially during weekends and holidays. This is not only down to gusty conditions, but also has to do with a reduced consumption – likely on the back of a greater public awareness of the cost of energy and therefore efforts to limit household use.
To restore balance to the electricity market, it is then often decided to shut down wind turbines or slow them to reduce their energy output.
“In 2022, the volume of regulated production was twice as large as in 2021,” the Belgian Offshore Platform which represents wind farm operators explains.
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The volumes involved remain small, however, as wind represents just 2% of Belgium's total production in 2022. “But the trend is upwards,” producers assure.
Despite winds not being particularly strong on Sunday, grid operator Elia asked offshore wind farms to limit their output by around 100 megawatts in order to preserve the balance of the grid.
Windmill operators are being paid for this constraint on their production.
