On March 20, a solar eclipse will cut off 35 GW of power plants from Europe’s power grid.

Alternative energy sources, in many respects, can replace traditional energy resources. However, sometimes there are the most unexpected problems associated with the specifics of operating "solar" stations. So, on March 20, a full solar eclipse should pass in Europe (the first since 1999). As a result, solar power stations with a total capacity of up to 35 GW will be temporarily disconnected . The eclipse will last from 10:40 to 14:50 Moscow time.

Now in Europe, more than 10% of all energy is generated by solar power plants, and turning them off even for a short time can be a serious test for the entire energy infrastructure. It is worth noting that previously all this was not a problem, since in 1999 the share of "solar" energy was very insignificant for Europe - only 0.1%. Now this is a problem.

At the same time, the problem is not that less energy will be generated for a short time, but that it will be a load jump — first a sharp decrease, then a sharp increase. True, if it is cloudy in Europe, the problem will be leveled. According to ENTSO-E experts , on the condition of clear weather, the power system of Europe on March 20 will first leave 35 GW, and then the energy will reappear.
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The main load will fall on the power systems of Germany, where about 51% of the capacity will be cut off, and on Italy, where about 21% of the energy will be turned off. In order to avoid the negative effects of power surges, experts plan to put into operation a reserve of fuel power stations, as well as to control consumer load. ENTSO-E recommends that all operators of European energy systems on March 20 consider the availability of reserve capacity.

As for Russia, this problem will not be relevant here, since solar energy makes up only 1% of the energy infrastructure, all the rest are traditional sources of energy.