In France, a significant increase in electricity production from solar sources has led to a sharp decline in energy market prices. Favorable sunny weather has contributed to record production, allowing the country to significantly boost electricity exports to neighboring states.
This is reported by Finway
Record Production and Energy Surplus
As of 1:15 PM Kyiv time, solar energy production in France exceeded 20 gigawatts. Forecasts indicate that this figure will continue to rise over the next two days. This substantial volume was complemented by nearly 40 gigawatts of electricity production from nuclear power plants, resulting in a significant surplus in the country’s energy system.
This surplus has allowed French producers to export around 15 gigawatts of electricity to Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and other neighboring countries.
Weather Impact and Market Consequences
According to Météo-France, a wave of warm air from North Africa has significantly raised temperatures, creating ideal conditions for solar generation. Meteorologists predict that the heat in France will intensify: in Paris, temperatures over the weekend will reach 31°C, while in the south and west of the country, it will be around 30°C.
Thanks to the strong influx of solar energy, electricity prices on the Epex Spot SE exchange fell to approximately -8 euros per megawatt-hour in the afternoon. At the Epex auction for electricity supply on Friday, prices remained negative for four hours. In recent weeks, Electricite de France SA has continued to operate its nuclear reactors even amid falling prices, responding to the operator’s requests to maintain the stability of the energy system.
“The influx of solar energy has led to electricity prices in France on the Epex Spot SE exchange falling to about -8 euros per megawatt-hour in the afternoon. At the Epex auction dedicated to electricity supply on Friday, prices dropped below zero for four hours. In recent weeks, Electricite de France SA has continued to operate reactors even with falling prices, adhering to the operator’s requests to maintain system stability.”