Europe’s electricity system is stable despite heatwaves and drought affecting parts of the continent, according to the European Commission.
Experts from the Commission, EU countries, Ukraine and Moldova met in an ad-hoc session of the Electricity Coordination Group to review security of supply, alongside the Energy Community Secretariat and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) on 11 August.
The group said there were no short-term “adequacy” risks — meaning no immediate risk of electricity supply failing to meet demand — although conditions were expected to remain tight in the coming week.
Electricity generation has been reduced in some EU countries because low water levels and higher water temperatures have affected power production.
Solar output helps, while system operators prepare for eclipse
High solar generation has been “very significant” and helped ease pressure on electricity prices during the middle of the day, the Commission said.
However, it added that electricity storage remains critical so that surplus solar power produced at peak times can be used later, including during evening demand peaks.
Voluntary demand-side measures — steps that encourage consumers to reduce or shift electricity use — have helped in some countries, particularly Hungary, the organisation said.
The Commission said it would continue monitoring the situation, support coordinated action where needed, and keep regular contact with EU countries, ENTSO-E and the Energy Community Secretariat.
