How did the German and other European electricity systems react to the COVID-19 pandemic?. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halbrügge, Stephanie; Schott, Paul; Weibelzahl, Martin; Buhl, Hans Ulrich; Fridgen, Gilbert; Schöpf, Michael
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 285(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Electricity system -- COVID-19 pandemic -- Renewable Energy Sources -- Flexibility -- Grid stability; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

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.