Xinhua News Agency quoted a statement from grid operator REN on August 10 (local time) saying that a near-total solar eclipse passing through Portugal on August 12 is expected to cause the country's solar power output to decrease by about 45% during the phenomenon.
National and European grid operators are preparing contingency plans.
A solar eclipse with a coverage of 92 - 100% will pass through many areas in Portugal from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, with the strongest intensity in the North. This phenomenon is expected to cause solar power production to decrease by about 450MW, equivalent to 7% of the country's total electricity demand at that time.
At the time of the greatest impact, solar power output could decrease by up to 35MW per minute, forcing operators to mobilize additional hydropower and backup thermal power sources to maintain supply-demand balance, while stabilizing the power grid system with Spain.
REN said the impact of the solar eclipse will be somewhat limited due to the phenomenon occurring in the late afternoon - a time when solar power production is gradually decreasing and electricity demand begins to increase before evening peak hours.
Preparations are being coordinated with European power transmission system operators through short-term response assurance services, aiming to balance electricity production and consumption within the 7-day forecast period.
According to REN, the solar eclipse is expected to reduce solar power production in the Eurozone by about 9,700MW.
In July, solar power met 19% of Portugal's electricity consumption demand, marking the first month this energy source became the main renewable energy source in the national power system.
