After a parching summer, reservoirs were depleted—but the outlook for 2023 is more promising
, France’s longest river, was an apocalyptic sight this summer. Parts of the river network had dried up completely by mid-August; the rest was reduced to a trickle. It had happened before but this year the timing was particularly bad. Energy prices had soared in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nuclear-power production in France was hampered by maintenance, repairs and low water levels in rivers used for cooling.
There are three types of hydropower plants. Run-of-river plants use the flow of water to drive generators. They normally provide a constant flow of energy but because they do not store water for long periods they can only provide power broadly in line with the flow of the river. The other two types of hydropower plant are more flexible. Reservoirs tucked into hillsides provide storage that can be drawn upon when needed.
Europe’s hydro plants generated 712TWh in 2021, roughly 16% of total electricity generation . But so far in 2022, hydropower generation has fallen short by more than 112TWh to date, compared with the same period last year, as droughts hit the continent. Over the past 12 months rainfall has been low in large parts of France, Spain, Italy and southern Norway. In Italy the shortfall has been particularly severe.
But it is not just the weather that has restricted power generation in 2022. Reservoirs began the year with lower levels than usual. When deciding how much water to release, storage hydropower plants take current and future electricity prices into account. In the second half of 2021, electricity prices started to rise sharply across the continent as gas prices spiked.
Thankfully, the outlook for 2023 is better. The last couple of weeks have been uncomfortably wet. That has helped to refill reservoirs in most countries, although Italy, Spain and Portugal still have some way to go. The three-month forecast for Europe predicts a slightly warmer and only slightly drier winter than usual. That should help too. And policymakers have also responded.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brazilian mine to begin lithium production in 2023 as demand soars\n\t\t\tExpert insights, analysis and smart data help you cut through the noise to spot trends,\n\t\t\trisks and opportunities.\n\t\t\n\t\tJoin over 300,000 Finance professionals who already subscribe to the FT.
Read more »
Mercedes predict they will be back in ‘very strong place’ with 2023 carMercedes strategy director James Vowles believes the team will be in a 'very strong place' in 2023, with the work they will do over winter.
Read more »
Top tips to save money on fuel as petrol prices set to soar by 12p per litreThere are fears petrol prices could rise by another 12p early in 2023.
Read more »
Flo, Cat Burns and Gabriels tipped as Sound Of 2023Girl band Flo, pop singer Cat Burns and dance act Piri & Tommy are all tipped for success in 2023.
Read more »
Darryn Binder “was a victim” of RNF’s Yamaha MotoGP split for 2023RNF Racing boss Razlan Razali says Moto2-bound Darryn Binder “was a victim” of the team’s split with Yamaha for the 2023 MotoGP season. ⬇️Full Story:
Read more »