France’s power-grid operator can now require Electricite de France SA to keep nuclear plants online even when there’s more than enough supply and prices are low.
The move is aimed at maintaining stable grid voltage, which has become increasingly difficult with the boom in renewables. The decision, announced by the country’s energy regulator this week, comes a year after neighboring Spain suffered a crippling nationwide blackout following abnormal power surges.
The expansion of solar and wind generation means output sometimes exceeds demand, especially during spring and summer and when consumption drops off at weekends. The flood of supply can cause big swings in prices and prompt EDF to take plants offline, making grid balancing more challenging.
Solar Boom Drives Prices Into Negative Territory
French power prices have been slipping below zero more often in recent years
The agreement between network operator Réseau de Transport d’Électricité and EDF runs until the end of October, the regulator said in a statement on its website. RTE will be able to ask EDF to keep its reactors online, and the utility will be compensated for any losses incurred.
Excessive voltage can compromise system safety and accelerate equipment wear and tear, according to the operator. Insufficient voltage can cause malfunctions and ultimately disrupt grid stability.
The accord was reported earlier by La Tribune.
Source: Bloomberg