Europe's solar eclipse puts Alpine energy export to the test

European energy operators are braced for next week's solar eclipse to cause a temporary dip in power generation, and have taken steps to keep electricity flowing to businesses and consumers, an industry body said Friday, according to The Local Italy.

The event will test the continent's increasingly solar-dependent grid, forcing operators to call on other sources to cover the shortfall as the moon crosses the sun. For the Alps, the timing of the eclipse presents a particular challenge, as the region's hydroelectric plants are often called upon to balance sudden swings in supply and demand across borders.