Lack of wind causes shortage of electricity

The price of electricity has been on the rise last week. On Monday, December 13, the EPEX Spot quotation stood at €241,87 per MWh. During the week, that increased to €337,27 per MWh, on Friday 17 December. Although the price for electricity has fallen again, to €289,66 per MWh on Sunday 19 December. This means that electricity still remains at a considerable price.

A combination of factors is responsible for these unprecedentedly high prices. The power supply from wind turbines is disappointing due to calm winter weather. This means that in the total energy mix almost 80% comes from conventional sources and another 10% from biomass. The gas and coal-fired power stations are also seeing a sharp rise in the prices for gas and CO2 rights. In addition, maintenance of nuclear power stations in France means that there is less capacity on the European grid.

Electricity prices are therefore expected to rise further this week. Weather reports predict calm winter weather, with temperatures a few degrees below normal for this time of year. The supply of wind energy continues to be disappointing and the colder weather is causing a greater demand for gas.

Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is now prominently on the agenda as a solution for the security of electricity supply. In the coalition agreement, which was presented last week, it was agreed to keep the nuclear power station in Borssele longer and the wish to build two new nuclear power stations was expressed. At European level, too, there is an increasingly positive response to nuclear energy. France has long been a strong advocate of nuclear energy as a 'clean' energy source that does not release CO2. Due to the current problems in the energy market and to make Europe more independent from foreign suppliers, France is getting more supporters, including the Netherlands.