Upcoming eclipse to decrease Belgium’s energy output

The partial solar eclipse on 20 March could result in a loss of up to 1,300 MW of solar energy capacity in Belgium, according to power supply manager Elia, the company that operates, maintains and develops the country’s high-voltage grid, reports Het Laatste Nieuws.

The partial eclipse will have a negative effect on the electricity production provided by solar panels. "The maximum loss for Belgium is 1,300 MW, but it will probably be less," assures a spokesperson from Elia.

The power manager does not expect major problems. Elia has already consulted with other European power managers, as the partial eclipse is expected to affect a large part of Europe.

In a report published yesterday by the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E), cooperation between operators is crucial for mitigating the impact of the partial solar eclipse. In the case of clear skies across Europe on 20 March, the eclipse could mean a total loss of 35,000 MW of capacity.