Clean tech brings new wrinkles to the history of solar eclipse panics
Plus, why Niagara Falls declared a state of emergency ahead of eclipse.
In today’s edition:
— Will next week’s solar eclipse break the grid?
— Niagara Falls girds for record crowds for eclipse
— Corona games: How to tell a total solar eclipse from a partial or annular
— The bet’s on solar to win the race for biggest renewable power source in the U.S.
— GE Vernova shines on its first day of trading
— It’s not you. Heat waves are getting longer

PARIS (Callaway Climate Insights) — Throughout history, the arrival of a solar eclipse has brought panic and awe. From mythical dragons and wolves devouring the sun to the gods being unhappy with certain kings and queens, people fear nothing good can happen when the sunlight goes out.
Next week’s eclipse across Mexico, the midwestern U.S and Canada brings a new wrinkle to the old panic. The idea that the temporary blocking of sunlight will cut solar power and throw electric grids into disarray, particularly in Texas, which has a history of grid instability.
Investors might be tempted to sell grid stocks short but they should probably hesitate. Like Y2K and other events of historic unease, these things are usually more hysteria up front then at the actual event.
Energy officials across the Midwest acknowledge that they expect average solar production to drop about 7% to 10% in the few hours of darkness on April 8. But with plenty of time to prepare most say they will simply make it up with alternative energy sources, such as natural gas. Not ideal from a climate standpoint, but also not a disaster.
Not that this will get in the way of a massive media solar eclipse binge this week, but as an investor event it likely won’t be more than a passing cloud.
Don’t forget to contact me directly if you have suggestions or ideas at dcallaway@callawayclimateinsights.com.
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