Green energy curtailments in Greece have reached a total of 515 GWH from the beginning of the year until mid-July, while the number of hours with zero, near-zero or even negative prices in the wholesale market reached 166.
The above findings from The Green Tank are presented by journalist George Fintikakis in reports for energypress and euro2day. Both articles are in Greek and were published on 23/07/2024.
Although RES curtailments have clearly decreased compared to spring, even in June and July – amidst RES production and increased demand – 85 green GWh were curtailed, which raises concerns about the evolution of the phenomenon in autumn when demand is expected to decrease.
In conclusion, as the penetration of renewables increases, batteries are missing from the system and the asymmetry between renewables supply and demand is maintained – especially in the evenings – the more curtailments will increase, even in months with very high electricity consumption.
“At a time when prices in the wholesale electricity market are soaring due to increased use of fossil fuels, we cannot afford to curtail cheap renewables. For this reason and until sufficient energy storage infrastructure is developed, it is necessary to immediately implement ‘front line’ measures such as shifting the reduced night tariff hours to midday,” said Nikos Mantzaris, policy analyst and co-founder of Green Tank.
