Solar Power and Batteries Have Been Keeping Europe's Grid Stable

As Europe grapples with a series of intense heatwaves, solar power has been playing a crucial role in stabilizing the region's energy grid, according to a new analysis from energy think-tank Ember. The organization's findings show that solar output in European countries surged by up to 17 percent on days with record heat in June and July. This surge in solar generation proved vital in meeting the increased electricity demand during these extreme weather events.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that space cooling - primarily through air conditioning units and fans - accounted for around seven percent of global electricity consumption in 2022. Even in countries with lower rates of air conditioning ownership, sudden spikes in demand can occur when temperatures rise sharply.

This was evident during the early summer heatwaves of 2025, when France experienced an evening electricity peak that was 25 percent above the off-season average due to increased air conditioning usage.

Ember's analysis revealed that during the late-June heatwave of the same year, electricity demand in Italy rose by up to 28 percent, in Hungary by 23 percent, in France by 14 percent, and in Spain by 13 percent compared to pre-heatwave days. What set solar power apart during these periods was its performance - on average, daily solar generation was 17 percent higher in France and Hungary, five percent higher in Spain, and remained steady in Italy compared to other days in June and July.