Europe struggles with Sahara dust.

Solar power is booming in Europe, accounting for approximately 11% of the region's total electricity production. However, the efficiency of this energy source is seriously threatened by fine dust from the Sahara Desert. Dust storms from North Africa not only reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the ground but also damage solar panels and make accurate electricity production forecasting difficult.

Saharan desert dust is being blown far, reducing solar power production in many European countries.

According to researchers presenting at the European Earth Science Union General Assembly (EGU25), observational data from 46 Sahara dust events between 2019 and 2023 shows widespread impact in countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, and Hungary. Sahara dust reduces solar radiation efficiency due to the ability of fine particles suspended in the atmosphere to absorb and scatter light. In addition, the dust promotes cloud formation, further complicating the situation.

One of the major problems is that current solar power forecasting systems are not accurate enough when dense dust clouds appear. Conventional atmospheric models, which are based on average aerosol levels, do not reflect the rapid and uneven fluctuations of dust clouds. When errors occur, the grid dispatching system cannot adjust quickly enough, leading to power shortages or the need to switch to alternative, more expensive power sources.

Solar power projects right in the Sahara take advantage of the strong sunlight but have to contend with thick layers of dust.

Several recent events demonstrate the significant impact of Saharan dust. In March 2022, a major dust storm blanketed southern Spain, causing peak-day solar power output to drop by up to 80%. In Germany, another dust storm also caused output to fall by almost half compared to forecasts, forcing the power system to switch to coal and imported electricity, increasing costs and putting pressure on consumers.

Dust not only affects solar radiation but also directly impacts solar power infrastructure. The layer of dust on the surface of solar panels blocks sunlight, reducing energy conversion efficiency. In humid conditions, dust easily adheres, forming a difficult-to-clean layer of dirt and potentially corroding the protective glass. Cleaning large solar panel systems is not simple, with estimated costs reaching 400–500 EUR/MW of capacity.

To address this, many research groups are seeking ways to improve the technology. In Spain, the University of Jaén is testing a superhydrophobic nano-coating to limit dust accumulation. Other companies are developing automated, waterless cleaning systems to reduce costs and minimize the risk of damage from mechanical cleaning.

Meanwhile, meteorological experts are proposing increased integration of real-time dust data from satellites and ground sensors into power generation forecasting models. Several experimental systems have shown promising results, demonstrating a significant increase in accuracy when information on dust levels and interactions between dust and clouds is added. This is seen as a necessary step to maintain the stability of renewable energy sources, which are playing an increasingly important role in Europe.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/chau-au-chat-vat-vi-bui-sahara-post1552965.html