European Transmission Operators Warn of Possible Load Shedding This Winter

An association of 41 European transmission system operators (TSOs) from 34 countries last week warned that adequacy margins in the coming winter could dip dangerously and threaten power supply for most of the continent.

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) said that, based on preliminary results and analyses of its Winter Outlook Report, which it will release on Dec. 1, the continent could see reduced generation margins resulting from—among other factors—the shutdown of eight German nuclear power plants as a result of Germany’s new nuclear phase-out policy.

ENTSO-E said its members had seen a “tense but manageable” security of supply in the summer owing to mild weather across most of Europe. “Whereas TSOs presently expect that generation adequacy is maintained in Europe in case of average weather conditions, the security of supply of key areas in Europe cannot be ensured under extreme conditions. Extended cold spells and lower-than-average temperatures could require significant countermeasures.”

The group plans to cooperate closely for coordinated measures to maintain energy security. This winter, it will also coordinate “preventive and curative measures such as redispatching of power plants, control of renewable generation whenever possible and regional load shedding,” it said.

Sources: POWERnews, ENTSO-E