The European Commission stated on Thursday that European energy authorities are already preparing for the potential impact next week's solar eclipse could have on the European electricity system. To manage the event, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, known as ENTSO-E, will coordinate a specific assessment of the situation with national grid operators.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, energy spokesperson for the European Commission, outlined the plans during the institution's daily press conference. She said the European Network of Transmission System Operators will hold a meeting on Friday to coordinate with national operators and prepare for the potential impacts of the solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12.
Itkonen declined to predict what specific impact the astronomical phenomenon might have on the power grid. She said officials and the public must wait for the assessment report that European electricity network operators produce following their Friday coordination meeting.
She noted that awaiting the operators' report and evaluation demonstrates that European authorities take all such factors into account when planning for and evaluating the possible effects of different weather phenomena.
Spanish Tourism and Eclipse Viewing
The total solar eclipse taking place on August 12 will be the first one visible in Spain in 114 years. In addition, the Iberian Peninsula will serve as the best location in the world to experience the eclipse.
The impending event has already driven a sharp increase in travel reservations across Spain. Total solar eclipse demand has pushed hotel bookings up by 76 percent and raised prices by up to 85 percent in the country.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Major telecommunications companies Telefónica, MasOrange, and Vodafone are taking measures to reinforce their networks. The operators are securing infrastructure to handle the expected flood of tourists arriving for the historic solar eclipse on August 12.
