Europe got really hot: solar power plants did not give that effect

In Europe, the heat has set in. The thermal dome has covered the EU countries, and the capacity of solar power plants has increased dramatically. However, this did not affect electricity prices. They are higher than last year.

Europe was covered by a thermal dome, and an abnormal heat wave was established in the region. In Germany, for example, the thermometer rises to +32 degrees Celsius.

"A classic, extremely anomalous and powerful thermal dome has parked over Western and Central Europe. This atmospheric block acts as a physical lid, holding the descending air mass under it," reports Severe Weather.

According to them, at the end of May there is a historic, record-breaking heat wave.

"An extraordinary thermodynamic plume is sending extreme heat over Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Great Britain, France and Germany. Temperatures are rapidly rising by 12-16 ° C above long—term climatic norms," the forecasters continued.

They cited data that last weekend record temperatures were already recorded in some parts of Western Europe. Weather stations recorded the hottest May day in the UK in almost 80 years, in London the temperature reached 32.3 degrees.

"Meanwhile, the southern and southwestern regions of Portugal, Spain and France are experiencing extreme daytime highs from 35 to 38 degrees. In Italy, 31-34 degrees were recorded on Sunday; in Germany, around the Alps and some parts of the Balkans, the temperature was 30-33 degrees," Severe Weather reported.

The bright sun gave a real surge to the work of solar power plants. According to the Institute of Solar Energy Systems. Fraunhofer, on May 25, the share of solar generation in Germany increased to almost 50%.

However, this did not affect the price of electricity in any way. On the one hand, the wind died down and the power of wind farms fell. On the other hand, gas-fired power plants at current prices of $ 500 per thousand cubic meters have to be in reserve and respond to unstable sources.

As a result, for example, on May 25, the exchange cost of electricity for the country averaged 81 euros per MWh, and during peak consumption hours - 185 euros, according to NordPool.

At the same time, green generation does not yet allow the country to enjoy low prices. For example, the average wholesale price in May is 97 euros per MWh. This is almost a third more expensive than the cost a year and two years ago.

Since gas and coal-fired power plants remain the main maneuverable sources, the effect of green generation is minimized.