What does "Energy Curtailment" mean?
Table of Contents
Energy curtailment refers to the process of reducing the production of electricity from power sources, especially during times when there is too much energy compared to the demand. This often happens with renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, which can produce a lot of energy when conditions are good.
Why Does It Happen?
Renewable energy sources can be unpredictable. For example, on a sunny day, solar panels may generate more electricity than people need. If the power grid cannot handle this excess energy, some of it must be wasted or "curtailed." This is done to maintain a stable and safe power supply.
Impact on Customers
Curtailment can be seen as unfair to users who rely on renewable energy. When their energy production is reduced, they might feel they are not getting a fair share of the energy they contribute to the grid. This can discourage people from installing more renewable energy sources.
Balancing Needs
To deal with the challenges of energy curtailment, new techniques are being used to manage how much electricity is produced and how it is shared among users. This ensures that the system works fairly for everyone while keeping the power supply stable.