BRUSSELS/LONDON- The significant surge in solar power production across southern Europe played a crucial role in preventing energy shortages amidst the recent heatwave. These extreme temperatures shattered records and resulted in an unprecedented need for air conditioning.

Solar energy proved especially effective in addressing the challenges posed by summer heat. This is due to the fact that solar radiation is most intense during the hottest periods of the day, precisely when the demand for electricity for cooling purposes reaches its peak.

The substantial expansion of solar power has effectively counterbalanced the surges in electricity demand caused by air conditioning usage, according to Kristian Ruby, the secretary general of Eurelectric, an electricity industry group. This development has been particularly evident in Spain, which, along with Greece, has intensified its deployment of solar panels due to factors such as last year's record high energy prices and concerns over energy security amidst Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Spain's remarkable progress in solar energy installation, with a record addition of 4.5 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity in the previous year, led to a significant surge in solar energy output in July. This notable increase is especially evident during this sunniest month.

Data from Spanish electricity grid operator Red Electrica reveals that solar energy accounted for nearly 24% of Spain's electricity generation in July 2023, a substantial rise from the 16% recorded in July 2022.

The effectiveness of solar power was demonstrated during a peak in power demand in Sicily on July 24, attributed to soaring temperatures and heightened cooling needs.

Approximately half of the excess demand, totaling 1.3 GW, was met by solar energy. Refinitiv data illustrates that Sicily's solar production last month was more than double that of July 2022, highlighting the growing role of solar power in meeting energy demands.

However, experts caution that the worst is yet to come as climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of heat waves, further straining Europe's energy infrastructure. The current energy systems are ill-equipped to handle such conditions, highlighting the need for urgent investments in energy grids and initiatives that combine solar power with energy storage.

Industry groups, including Solar Power Europe, have called on policymakers to accelerate efforts to ensure that solar power expansion aligns with climate change goals.

A significant contributing factor to the stability of Europe's energy systems this summer has been relatively low power demand. Since the energy crisis last year, when gas deliveries from Russia were disrupted, both consumers and industries have responded by reducing their power usage.

Although extreme heat episodes have occasionally disrupted this trend, overall power demand has remained below average. Italy and Spain, for example, experienced reduced hourly power consumption in July compared to the previous year.

Even in countries with cooler climates like Belgium, solar energy has effectively fulfilled over 100% of the additional energy required during midday surges in power demand.

Countries such as Italy and Greece, which have witnessed soaring temperatures, have benefited from increased solar output. In Italy's Catania, power and water supply disruptions have been linked in part to the heat, while wildfires damaged sections of the electricity grid in Athens.

However, solar photovoltaics managed to cover a substantial portion of power demand during peak periods. For instance, during Greece's peak power demand on July 24, solar photovoltaics accounted for 3.5GW of the total demand of 10.35GW.

The significant contribution of additional solar power has played a crucial role in mitigating the strain on energy grids during the intense heat waves experienced in southern Europe this summer, noted Refinitiv power analyst Nathalie Gerl.

While solar power is not a standalone solution for grid stability during severe conditions, it has made a notable impact in meeting heightened demand.