Back to Blog

Extreme melting & inflow with a risk of 10 TWh spillage

Eylert Ellefsen
Archived blog post. This blog post has been transferred from our previous blogging platform. Links and images may not work as intended.

EQ hydrology forecasts show inflow to Norwegian reservoirs will average  180% of normal levels over the coming two weeks, as higher temperatures accelerate the spring melt.

The combined snow and groundwater levels in Norway reached a year-high of 200% ofthe normal level by week 21. EQ’s forecasts predict around 10 TWh spillage because of the rapid spring melt and exceptionally high snow and groundwater levels:

EQ expects the Norwegian reservoirs will hit max capacity by mid-July (week 29/30):

“During the forecast flooding situation in mid-June, we estimate 1-2 TWh of spilled water, while the second wave, when reservoirs are full, will be more severe,” says EQ’s hydrologist Eylert Ellefsen.

“Wet conditions in July and August may cause severe flooding damage along several watercourses. We estimate 8-9 TWh spilled water in August given normal precipitation.”

EQ continually updates our hydrology forecasts for the entire Europen hydropower system.

More from the Blog

Record precipitation and hydropower production in the SEE region subdue spot prices

Eylert Ellefsen
Eylert Ellefsen

Precipitation across Southeastern Europe (SEE) in weeks 1-7 were the highest on record, pushing hydropower production to record highs as well, at nearly twice the 2019 and 2020 levels.

Read Story

Nordic hydrology 5 months from now: What can we tell you?

Eylert Ellefsen
Eylert Ellefsen

The Nordic hydrological balance has weakened by about 10 TWh since the beginning of the year. Our models still show it's more likely than not that the balance will have recovered to above normal levels by the end of July.

Read Story

Electricity demand is back across Europe!

Eylert Ellefsen
Eylert Ellefsen

According to our numbers, electricity consumption in Europe has recovered faster than expected in Continental Europe and the Nordic market during Q3 and Q4.

Read Story

Ready to try Energy Quantified?

No payment or credit card required.
Would you rather like a personal demo? Book a demo