Photovoltaics stabilize the power grid – how did it happen? The last heat wave in Europe put electricity systems to the test: energy demand skyrocketed and daily prices doubled. However, record PV generation kept grids stable, avoiding further technical constraints.
According to Ember’s report, the weather phenomenon triggered the use of air conditioning and increased electricity demand, but the extraordinary volumes of solar PV production offset its impact, stabilizing the system even in extreme situations.
More specifically, in this July 2025, Europe suffered a heat wave with temperatures that exceeded 40 ° C. The increased use of air conditioning triggered the daily demand, which grew, on average, 14% in Europe, and 15% in our country if compared on Tuesday, June 24, with the heat wave of July 1. With respect 2024, demand in Spain has increased by 10.5% in June.
In addition, Ember’s study highlights that low-carbon electricity will exceed 40% of global generation by 2024, with solar being one of the fastest growing technologies, increasing by 29% per year. This boom has been essential to offset the increase in demand associated with extreme temperatures.
In this context, the Spanish government has implemented an exceptional modification of the electricity planning, which includes 65 technical actions, such as the installation of synchronous compensators and FACTS systems, aimed at providing voltage control, greater renewable integration capacity and avoiding technical restrictions, with an estimated annual saving of 200 million euros.
In summary, PV played a key role in the resilience of the electricity system during peak demand caused by heat waves, while planning reforms seek to harness that potential and strengthen long-term stability.
