France's solar power generation hits record high on Friday

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on May 8 that France's solar power generation reached a record high on Friday, surpassing grid operator forecasts and pushing electricity prices into negative territory. According to data from French grid operator RTE, solar power generation rose to about 20 million kilowatts (20 GW). Usually, strong expectations for solar power generation depress next-day electricity prices into the negative ahead of time, as the market factors in excess supply in advance. However, due to the sudden nature of this record growth, this did not happen on Thursday; only intraday electricity prices on Friday dropped below zero. RTE data shows that France's nuclear power generation remains at a high level of about 33 million kilowatts (33 GW). In recent weeks, French power companies have maintained reactor operation at the request of grid operators to stabilize the system, despite sharp declines in electricity prices. Around midday on Friday, the combined electricity output from solar and nuclear sources exceeded demand by about 10 million kilowatts (10 GW). This surplus electricity was exported to neighboring countries.```