Corona preferential electricity generation

Published on: May 5, 2020 / Update from: August 22, 2020 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Corona makes electricity generation cheaper – @shutterstock | creativeneko

Corona preferential electricity generation

The production of one megawatt hour of electricity fell to a negative value of around 16 euros in April. This means that Germany was able to cover the majority of its electricity needs with the help of inexpensive resources such as wind power and solar energy and export the surplus. Clear, smog-free air conditions combined with clear weather are causing electricity generation from photovoltaic systems to skyrocket, the experts from Agora Energiewende found. The low activity of citizens during the lockdown also significantly reduces electricity consumption. An effect that is otherwise only demonstrated on sunny weekends and public holidays. The occurrence of negative prices is becoming increasingly common. The more often consumption can be covered by renewable energy sources, the more fossil fuels move out of focus. These are becoming losers in the energy market during the ongoing Corona crisis.

The generation of one megawatt hour of electricity fell to a negative value of around EUR 16 in April. This means that with the help of low-cost resources such as wind power and solar energy, Germany was able to cover most of its electricity needs and export the surplus. Clear, smog-free air conditions in combination with clear weather are causing electricity generation by photovoltaic systems to skyrocket, the experts from Agora Energiewende noted. The low level of activity by citizens during the lockdown also significantly reduces electricity consumption. An effect that is otherwise only seen on sunny weekends and holidays. The occurrence of negative prices is becoming increasingly common. The more often consumption can be covered by renewable energy sources, the more fossil fuels are moving out of focus. These are becoming the losers of the energy market during the ongoing corona crisis.