Hydropower and natural gas ensure the stability of the power grid during the eclipse

REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais continuously monitored the effects of Wednesday’s solar eclipse on the National Electric System (SEN) during a period marked by a temporary reduction in photovoltaic generation, ensuring a balance between generation and consumption and the security of supply throughout the entire event.

During the period of greatest impact from the eclipse, system balance was maintained primarily by hydroelectric generation, which reached approximately 5 GW, supplemented by approximately 1.35 GW of natural gas-fired generation from combined-cycle power plants and an additional 0.6 GW of wind power.

During this period, Portugal also remained in an exporting position, with export flows ranging from approximately 100 to 275 MW.

Advance preparation, operational coordination, and collaboration among the various national authorities and European transmission system operators—notably the Spanish operator—ensured the continued operation of the National Electric System and the security of supply throughout the event.