Europe faces challenges from low wind and solar output in winter energy markets

Periods of calm, cloudy weather, known as Dunkelflaute, strain Europe's renewable energy systems, causing price spikes and testing political cooperation.

Stanley Reed and Melissa Eddy report for The New York Times.

In short:

Dunkelflaute, or "dark doldrums," refers to weather with low wind and sun, disrupting solar and wind energy generation across Europe.
Energy prices surge during these periods as nations rely on more expensive fossil fuel power plants to meet demand.
Tensions rise between countries as interconnected energy grids lead to price increases in power-exporting nations like Norway and Sweden.

Key quote:

“When there is no wind, we get high electricity prices with this failed electricity system.”

— Ebba Busch, Sweden’s economy minister

Why this matters:

Dunkelflaute highlights the vulnerability of renewable energy systems to weather-dependent fluctuations. As Europe transitions to cleaner energy, balancing supply during low-output periods will be crucial to maintaining affordability and political harmony.

www.nytimes.com

Europe faces challenges from low wind and solar output in winter energy markets

Climate change is heating up Georgia, farmers find ways to adapt

America’s second largest reservoir is at a record low, putting electricity supply at risk for millions

Opinion: Meta hides data center info as it pushes more risks to Entergy’s customers

Rhine drought, heatwaves and deaths: Is it time for Germany to enshrine climate protection in law?

Rhine drought, heatwaves and deaths: Is it time for Germany to enshrine climate protection in law?

Despite energy crisis, Bangladesh’s factories are slow to adopt solar power

The cognitive bias behind bad climate math

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.