Abstract
The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreases in electricity demand and a rising share of Renewable Energy Sources in various countries. In Germany, the average proportion of net electricity generation via Renewable Energy Sources rose above 55% in the first half of 2020, as compared to 47% for the same period in 2019. Given these altered circumstances, in this paper we analyze how the German and other European electricity systems behaved during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use data visualization and descriptive statistics to evaluate common figures for electricity systems and markets, comparing developments during the COVID-19 pandemic with those of previous years. Our evaluation reveals noticeable changes in electricity consumption, generation, prices, and imports/exports. However, concerning grid stability and ancillary services, we do not observe any irregularities. Discussing the role of various flexibility options during the COVID-19 pandemic, a relatively higher grid capacity resulting from a decreased electricity consumption, in particular, may have contributed to grid stability.
Highlights
Countermeasures adopted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused severe shocks to the energy sector [1]
Thereby, to the best of our knowledge we are the first to present how the electricity system responded to altered circumstances and how various flexibility options contributed to a stable electricity system during the COVID-19 pandemic
Based on data detailing electricity consumption, generation, prices, imports/exports, grid frequency, redispatch, and balancing power, we used data visualization and descriptive statistics to analyze the performance of the electricity system during the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
Countermeasures adopted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused severe shocks to the energy sector [1]. In Germany, for instance, grid operators enforce such shut downs, which result in a curtailment of wind and solar power plants [19] These feed-in management measures are necessary to ensure grid stability [19,20]. Taking a look at a Danish future energy scenario, [27] assess the potential of demand response for Denmark as a leading country for high shares in RES. [28] examine the impact of demand response strategies on the penetration of RES for the case of the Flores Island, Azores Those papers consider circumstances with a high share of RES modeling scenarios of future energy systems on a theoretical basis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
