www.antena3.ro/externe/europa-risca-sa-intre-in-pr

Europe faces its first "dunkelflaute" of the year, leading to soaring energy prices due to cloudy weather affecting solar energy production. Solar energy, a key player in the transition from fossil fuels, has significantly reduced gas imports for the EU since the Iran conflict began. However, the prolonged cold and cloudy conditions raise concerns about solar energy's effectiveness in winter. The term "dunkelflaute" describes periods of low renewable energy production, typically occurring from October to February, coinciding with increased energy demand. As solar output declines, reliance on expensive backup sources like natural gas increases, causing electricity prices to spike. Despite these challenges, hydroelectric power often compensates for reduced solar energy during winter months, providing some stability to energy bills.