Jihan Wu: Europe's solar overcapacity problem is worsening; Bitcoin mining can act as the "buyer of last resort" for electricity

Odaily reported that Jihan Wu posted on platform X, stating that Europe's current solar energy problem is no longer just about increasing power generation, but about a lack of sufficient flexible electricity demand to absorb excess energy. Citing the latest analysis from energy research firm Pexapark, he noted that the phenomenon of solar "cannibalization" in Europe is rapidly deteriorating:

1. France's solar capture factor for April 2026 dropped year-on-year from approximately 0.42 to 0.10, a decline of about 75%, with nearly half of solar generation occurring during periods of negative electricity prices.

2. Germany recorded 123 hours of negative electricity prices in April, a 65% increase year-on-year, with approximately 46.8% of solar generation falling into negative price territory.

3. Spain's problem is no longer confined to summer. In February 2026, the solar capture factor plummeted from about 0.71 in the same period last year to 0.18, while the duration of negative electricity prices surged from 0 hours to 148 hours.

Jihan Wu pointed out that this indicates the pace of solar deployment in Europe has outstripped the speed of grid flexibility infrastructure development. He argued that besides energy storage, grid expansion, and demand response, Europe should also pay attention to interruptible loads, including Bitcoin mining and other computing loads. Such loads can be activated when electricity is abundant and shut down when the grid is under stress, thereby acting as the "buyer of last resort" for surplus renewable energy. This would help reduce curtailment, improve the economics of solar projects, and enhance the profitability and financial viability of investments in power generation and grid infrastructure.