English 
Spanish 
2 min read
0 comments
O dark lull, a cold windless phenomenon, drastically reduces solar and wind power generation in Germany, putting pressure on demand and exposing the weaknesses of renewable sources
Germany's power grid is at its limit. At 5pm yesterday, wind and solar power generation stagnated throughout the country (as in neighboring Denmark) and the price of electricity rose to 936 euros (R$5800) per megawatt-hour.
The phenomenon of dark lull
The Germans call it dark lull cold without wind, a perfect combination that strangles the production of photovoltaic energy and paralyzes wind turbines at the same time. Typical of cold anticyclones with low temperatures, this phenomenon further increases the demand for heating throughout the region.
The term comes from the German words dark (dark) and flute (calm down), but Germany's quiet, dark winters have never had such a big impact on electricity bills as they have in recent years.
- Solfácil dominates the solar energy market in Brazil with R$4 billion in financing
- This is how Uruguay managed to reach 98% renewable ENERGY — see how they did it
- Abu Dhabi changes the game with solar energy: WORLD'S first 24/7 power grid
- Portugal SHOCKS the world: How the country is powering its energy almost entirely with renewable energy and inspiring the future
The daily average has almost reached €400 (R$2480)/MWh. That is nine times the price of natural gas, a disproportionate figure for an energy mix that, at 5 p.m., was divided between 3% hydro, 8% biomass, 10% wind, 25% gas and 30% coal.
The peak of €936/MWh triples and even quintuples the highest price recorded in France (with 5800% nuclear power at 70:17), the Nordic countries (with 00% hydropower) or Poland (with 90% coal).
The need for clean energy and transition
German grid operators have struggled to meet demand due to low wind and solar output. This serves as a reminder that renewables are intermittent and require investment in storage and clean energy alternatives. Or at least in reliable transitional energy.
Electricity prices in Germany have risen by 585,23% since the beginning of 2024 in the index spot. O closure of nuclear power plants forced the country to reopen some coal-fired power plants. Fortunately, tapping gas reserves will not be a problem this winter.
With 98% capacity at the beginning of November, German reserves are currently around 87%, which is enough to get through the cold season. That's one less thing to worry about.
