Basbelastning

Basbelastning (often translated as baseload) is a term used in power systems to describe the minimum level of electricity demand that must be met continuously over a period, typically a 24-hour cycle. It represents the constant or near-constant portion of electricity use that persists through low-demand periods, such as nighttime. In grid planning and operation, basbelastning is the portion of the load that must be supplied reliably regardless of short-term fluctuations.

Baseload is typically met by power plants designed to run steadily at a high capacity factor and with low variable costs. Common baseload technologies include nuclear, coal-fired, and certain types of hydroelectric generation. These plants are chosen for their ability to operate efficiently at a near-constant output, though they often have higher capital costs and limited ramping capability.

The remaining portion of demand—above the baseload—is supplied by mid-merit and peaking plants that can adjust output more quickly in response to changing conditions, such as weather, time of day, or economic activity. The interplay between baseload, mid-merit, and peaking generation shapes the daily and seasonal load curve and the overall economics of the power system.

In recent years, high shares of intermittent renewables and advances in energy storage and demand-side management have changed the role of basbelastning. Some systems rely less on traditional baseload plants and use flexible generation, storage, and demand response to balance supply and demand more dynamically.