Headlines | News
Global electricity production still falling
Worldwide Electricity production The latest International Energy Agency Monthly Electricity Statistics report, which includes June 2023 data, shows that for total OECD membership, total net electricity production amounted to 864.1 TWh in June 2023, down by 4.5% compared to June 2022. Over the first half of 2023, electricity production dropped by 3.7% compared to the same period last year.
This decrease was mainly driven by reduced electricity generation from fossil fuel sources (-7.4% y-t-d), led by a significant drop in electricity production from coal power plants (-17.3% y-t-d). Natural gas, on the other hand, remained in line with previous year’s levels (-0.4% y-t-d). Overall, the share of fossil fuels in the OECD electricity mix was 50.2% in June 2023, around 1.6% lower than in June 2022. Total electricity production from renewable sources was stable over the first two quarters of 2023 (+0.3% y-t-d), as strong generation from solar (+ 12.3% y-t-d) compensated for lower output from wind (-1.0% y-t-d) and hydropower (-2.3% y-t-d). The share of renewables in the OECD electricity mix settled at 33.5% in June 2023, almost unvaried compared to the same month last year. Over the first half of 2023, electricity
Electricity production (TWh) 0
200 Coal
combustibles Nuclear
Natural gas Other
400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Hydro Wind Solar Other
Jan-May 2022 Jun 22 Jan-May 2023 Jun 23 OECD electricity production by fuel type year-to-date comparison
generation from nuclear slightly decreased by 0.6% y-t-d, with nuclear power recovering in the second quarter of 2023 and mitigating the reduced output registered in the first quarter. In June 2023, nuclear plants accounted for 16.0% of total OECD electricity production, up by one percentage point compared to June 2022.
Notably, in New Zealand, electricity production from hydro achieved record levels, increasing by 19.3% y-o-y in June 2023 and
EU reached 90% gas storage target 2 months early Europe Gas firing
The EU reached its target of filling gas storage facilities to 90% of capacity more than two months ahead of the November 1 deadline, according to the latest figures released by Gas Infrastructure Europe. Aimed at optimising EU preparation for the coming winter, the gas storage regulation of June 2022 set a binding target of 90% filling storage facilities by 1 November each year, with interim targets for EU countries. Gas storage is key for security of supply in Europe as it can cover up to one-third of the EU’s gas demand in winter. The latest figures show that gas storage levels had by mid-August reached 1024 TWh or 90.12% of storage capacity, equivalent to just over 93 billion cubic metres of natural gas. EU Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson commented: “[This] confirmation that we have met our gas storage requirements so far ahead of schedule underlines that the EU is well-prepared for winter and this will help to further stabilise markets in the coming months. The EU energy market is in a much more stable position than it was this time last year, in good
15.8% y-t-d. In June, the share in the energy mix rose to 68.1% as the rainfall during this and the previous month was above normal in certain regions. Hydro is the main source for electricity production in the country, with a share in electricity mix ranging from 50% to 70%, however larger shares are often seen after July as reservoirs fill after higher rainfall in winter months. In 2023 though, northern regions have seen more than a year’s worth of rainfall in only the first half of the year.
UK loan for Ukrainian
part because of the measures we have taken at EU level. But we have seen in recent weeks that the gas market remains sensitive. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation, so that storage levels remain sufficiently high as we enter the next winter.” The EU has taken a wide range of measures following the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to be better prepared for the winter. The gas demand reduction regulation (August 2022) stimulated a 18% drop in gas consumption from August 2022 to May 2023, and has now been extended for a further year.
To find alternative sources of gas, the Commission has initiated a concerted international outreach for alternative gas supplies – notably in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). In addition, the EU Energy Platform has already hosted two calls for joint purchases of gas, with a third call to be launched in the second half of September. Key investments at EU and national level have also increased the EU’s LNG import capacity and reinforced the resilience of the EU gas system.
nuclear sector
Ukraine Nuclear power The UK has announced a £192 million loan guarantee to allow Ukraine to buy enriched uranium from Urenco, which is headquartered in the UK and 33.3 % owned by the UK government.
Reacting to the news, Nuclear Industry Association chief executive Tom Greatrex commented: “Nuclear power is vital to Ukraine’s sovereignty, economy and war effort. This loan guarantee means more energy security for Ukraine, more jobs and investment here in the UK, and less money for the Kremlin war machine. It shows how British nuclear exports can cut Russia’s energy leverage over our allies and bolster the strategic independence of the West as a whole.
“Our goal must be for all Western nuclear reactors to run on all-Western fuel services, and we will continue to support the UK government as it works with our allies to see that done.”
www.modernpowersystems.com | September 2023 | 5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
