Record-breaking temperatures have put pressure on Europe’s energy systems but increased output from solar is helping to fill the gap.
A major increase in solar power generation in southern Europe played a leading role in preventing energy shortages during recent heatwaves.
Solar power is particularly suited to coping with summer heat as the sun’s radiation is strongest around the hottest part of the day when electricity demand for cooling is also at its highest.
“The very significant growth in solar basically compensates for the peaks that are caused by air conditioning,” Kristian Ruby, secretary general of electricity industry group Eurelectric, said of the situation in Spain.
Catania, below Mount Etna in eastern Sicily, has faced power and water supply cuts that local officials partly blamed on the heat.
In a letter to the European Commission last week, 19 associations - 16 of which represent industry groups in the EU including SolarPower Europe - warned policymakers of issues with solar power.