How did the German and other European electricity systems react to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreases in electricity demand and a rising share of Renewable Energy Sources in various countries. In Germany, the average proportion of net electricity generation via Renewable Energy Sources rose above 55 % in the first half of 2020, as compared to 47 % for the same period in 2019. Given these altered circumstances, in this paper we analyze how the German and other European electricity systems behaved during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use data visualization and descriptive statistics to evaluate common figures for electricity systems and markets, comparing developments during the COVID-19 pandemic with those of previous years. Our evaluation reveals noticeable changes in electricity consumption, generation, prices, and imports/exports. However, concerning grid stability and ancillary services, we do not observe any irregularities. Discussing the role of various flexibility options during the COVID-19 pandemic, a relatively higher grid capacity resulting from a decreased electricity consumption, in particular, may have contributed to grid stability.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Electricity system; Flexibility; Grid stability; Renewable Energy Sources.

Fig. 1

Electricity Consumption in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

Fig. 2

Electricity Consumption in Germany and Spain on weekdays and weekends/bank holidays.

Fig. 3

Load profile in Germany (resolution 15 min) and Spain (resolution 60 min) on weekdays, each for the interval from 17thMarch until 31stMay.

Fig. 4

Percentage of the different electricity generation technologies in total electricity generation in Germany from 2015 until 2020, each for the interval from 17thMarch until 31stMay.

Fig. 5

Electricity generation in Germany in 2020 (resolution 60 min).

Fig. 6

Electricity prices on the day-ahead market in Germany. For 2020, electricity prices up to the 30th September are considered.

Fig. 7

Cumulated number of hours with negative electricity prices on the day-ahead market.

Fig. 8

Total scheduled commercial exchanges (imports and exports) of Germany with neighboring countries. For 2020, imports and exports up to the 7th October are considered.

Fig. 9

Correlation among electricity prices and total electricity exports of Germany with neighboring countries.

Fig. 10

Correlation among electricity prices and total electricity imports of Germany with neighboring countries.

Fig. 11

Grid frequency (resolution 10 s) illustrated as a heat map.

Fig. 12

Daily minimum and maximum grid frequency.

Fig. 13

Daily amount of positive and negative redispatch in Germany.

Fig. 14

Daily amount of positive and negative demands on aFRR.