ENTSO-E’s Winter Outlook 2019/2020, finds that Europe’s supply of electricity is secured under normal conditions. In case of extreme cold spells – that is temperatures 10 degrees below average - combined with unforeseen outages and low renewable generation, ENTSO-E’s analysis indicates potential risks in Belgium and France for January 2020.

Under these extreme conditions, both countries would heavily rely on imports and, in some cases, on available out-of-market measures. In addition, a tighter monitoring of system security would be required with the support of Regional Security Coordinators.

The Outlook notes that renewable generation capacity increased in 2019 at the same pace as in 2018. Non-renewable generation capacity continued to decrease but slower than in 2018.