As Europe shifts more and more toward solar energy to meet climate goals and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, an unexpected problem is blowing in from across the sea: dust storms from the Sahara Desert.
New research presented at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly (EGU25) reveals that dust from North Africa is dimming Europe’s skies and disrupting solar energy generation.
Each year, the Sahara Desert releases billions of tons of fine dust into the air.
While much of it stays in Africa, tens of millions of tons drift northward, reaching countries across Southern and Central Europe.
This dust scatters and absorbs sunlight, reducing the amount of solar energy that reaches the ground—and the solar panels that depend on it.
Dr. György Varga and his team of researchers studied more than 46 Saharan dust events that occurred between 2019 and 2023.
They looked at how these events affected solar energy production in countries such as Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Hungary. Their findings show that dusty skies can significantly reduce the electricity produced by photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
But the problems don’t stop there. Forecasting how much solar energy will be available on any given day is crucial for managing the electricity grid.
However, current weather and solar forecasting models often fail during dust storms.
Most models use fixed data about average dust levels, but Saharan dust storms are dynamic and can change quickly. When these models underestimate how much dust is in the atmosphere, they also overestimate how much solar energy can be produced.
To improve accuracy, the researchers suggest using real-time dust data and better models that account for how dust interacts with clouds. These improved forecasts could help prevent unexpected drops in solar energy production, making the energy system more stable.
The impact of Saharan dust isn’t just in the air—it also affects solar panels on the ground. Dust settles on the surface of the panels, reducing their efficiency and requiring more cleaning.
Over time, the abrasive particles can even damage the panels, increasing maintenance costs and shortening their lifespan.
As solar energy becomes a bigger part of Europe’s power supply, these challenges need urgent attention. Without better forecasting tools and strategies to manage dust impacts, there’s a growing risk that solar power won’t deliver as reliably as expected.
Dr. Varga warns that if this issue is ignored, it could undermine Europe’s push for cleaner, more secure energy. His team’s research is helping shape more resilient energy planning across Hungary and the European Union.
