This European country is promising ‘bargain’ energy on sunny days to use up excess solar power

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The United Kingdom is exploring a system to offer discounted or extremely cheap electricity during sunny or windy periods in order to absorb excess renewable energy that would otherwise be curtailed.

🔭 The context: Record growth in solar and wind power across Europe is creating moments when electricity supply exceeds demand
• This requires grid operators to pay renewable producers to shut down generation, a process known as curtailment
• The UK’s grid operator, National Energy System Operator, is encouraging policies that increase electricity consumption when renewable output is high
• The challenge is growing as rooftop solar spreads rapidly

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Using surplus renewable electricity instead of curtailing it can maximize clean energy generation and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel backup power
• If excess solar and wind are wasted, grid operators often replace them with gas generation to maintain stability, raising emissions
• Policies that stimulate demand during renewable surges can therefore improve renewable integration and lower the carbon intensity of electricity systems

⏭️ What’s next: The UK is testing new pricing signals and incentive schemes to encourage energy use when renewable production is high
• Over time, expanded grid infrastructure, battery storage, electric vehicles, and electrified heating are expected to absorb more of this surplus clean electricity

📈 One stat: In 2025, Germany, France and the Netherlands curtailed about 3.9 TWh of renewable electricity, a 21% increase from the previous year

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