European solar power output may drop about 10 GW during August 12 total eclipse

BRUSSELS — A total solar eclipse on August 12 could cut solar power generation in Europe by roughly 10 gigawatts, equivalent to the output of two to three nuclear plants, according to European Commission data cited by Russian news agency Novosti. Under clear weather conditions, the loss in photovoltaic generation could reach 9.7 gigawatts. The European Commission said the shift in the electricity generation mix is expected to peak between 19:15 and 21:30 Central European Time. The Commission announced it will hold a technical meeting with grid operators to assess the eclipse's additional impact on the European energy system. According to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), European grid operators have already taken preparatory measures against the sudden change in output. Grid control authorities have issued special instructions, energy market participants have been warned of the expected production decline, and national operators will receive updated forecasts from meteorological services. During the eclipse, operators will postpone scheduled maintenance and shutdowns to preserve grid flexibility, and ENTSO-E has set up a dedicated working group to coordinate monitoring efforts. ENTSO-E data showed that solar energy accounted for around 13 percent of the European Union's total electricity generation in 2025.