Europe’s gas fired power generation tripled in three days as wind generation collapsed amid Europe’s second dunkelflaute episode.
European wind power generation plummeted by 67% since last Saturday, while electricity demand continued to rise on colder winter temperatures. electricity prices surged over the roof, with day-ahead power hitting €936/MWh in Germany.
And once again, gas-fired power plants provided crucial back-up to the electricity system, with their output surging by more than three times in the last three days.
Gas storage sites continue to ensure supply flexibility, as both piped and LNG deliveries remain tight.
However, European gas inventory levels are rapidly falling, with fill levels now expected to drop to below the 80% threshold by the end of this weekday…
What is your view? What can we learn from those consecutive dunkelflaute episodes? How should we value the flexibility provided by gas-fired power plants? How can we strengthen electricity supply security in an increasingly weather-dependent energy system?
Source: Greg MOLNAR
