Dust in the system—how Saharan storms threaten Europe's solar power future

Low Pressure System Blows In From Sahara - Videos from The Weather Channel

The historically powerful Khamaseeni winds returned to Egypt this week, blanketing towns across the country with blinding sandstorms. The low pressure system typically arrives in spring, carrying dust and sand from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. Schools were reportedly closed nationwide on Wednesday, as low visibility from the sandstorms makes travel dangerous. - Videos from The Weather Channel

Dust in the system—how Saharan storms threaten Europe's solar power future

As Europe increases its reliance on solar energy to meet climate and energy security targets, a growing atmospheric phenomenon is complicating the path forward: Saharan dust. New research presented at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly (EGU25) shows that mineral dust carried on the wind from North Africa is not only reducing photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation across Europe but also making it harder to predict.

Sahara dust dips into orange light every now and then. This also affects solar power generation, and in some cases 20 percent less electricity is generated. This is a challenge for the electricity grids.

As Europe increases its dependence on solar energy to achieve climate and energy security objectives, a growing atmospheric phenomenon complicates the way forward: Saharan dust. New research presented to the General Assembly of the Union of European Geosciences (EGU25) shows that mineral dust from the wind in Africa [...]