Curtailment (Energy)

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

The deliberate reduction of electricity output from a power plant—most commonly a wind or solar facility—below its potential maximum, either because the grid cannot absorb the surplus power or because of transmission constraints. Curtailment represents wasted clean energy potential.

Examples

• High curtailment rates in the region signaled an urgent need for additional transmission infrastructure.
• Grid operators ordered curtailment of the wind farm during overnight hours when demand was low.