"Real-Time Grid Impacts of Total Solar Eclipse Revealed by NREL"
The U.S. Department of Energy, NREL, and NERC are evaluating the grid impacts of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, which will affect solar power plants across all 50 U.S. states. A livestream will show the real-time impact on the power grid, as solar generation is expected to decrease significantly during the eclipse. With solar energy playing a larger role in electricity generation, it's crucial for system operators to understand how to manage energy needs during celestial or weather-induced reductions in solar irradiance. The study will provide valuable insights for grid operators across the country as they prepare for extreme weather events, and post-event analysis will be conducted to assess the performance of power systems during the eclipse.