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Saharan Dust Cuts Southern Europe's Solar Power by 50%

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study from Hungary's HUN-REN Research Centre shows Saharan dust storms can cut photovoltaic (PV) power generation in Southern Europe by up to 50%.
Analyzing data from 2019 to 2023, researchers found high dust levels correlate with a 25-40% average reduction in PV output in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.
Greece experiences losses of up to 40.9%, while Portugal sees reductions of 29.3%.
The study calls for better forecasting methods to address dust impacts on renewable energy.
Another study indicates droughts in Latin America increase air pollution from fossil fuel plants, leading to 3,700 to 10,600 premature deaths annually.

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Story summary

A study from Hungary's HUN-REN Research Centre shows Saharan dust storms can cut photovoltaic (PV) power generation in Southern Europe by up to 50%.
Analyzing data from 2019 to 2023, researchers found high dust levels correlate with a 25-40% average reduction in PV output in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.
Greece experiences losses of up to 40.9%, while Portugal sees reductions of 29.3%.
The study calls for better forecasting methods to address dust impacts on renewable energy.
Another study indicates droughts in Latin America increase air pollution from fossil fuel plants, leading to 3,700 to 10,600 premature deaths annually.