Dunkelflaute

Dunkelflaute is a term used in the energy sector for a period of time in which little to no energy can be generated with the use of wind and solar power. The term is German in origin and a blend word of the german ‘Dunkelheit’ (darkness) and ‘Flaute’ (little wind). The periods called Dunkelflaute are a big issue in energy infrastructure in which a significant amount of electricity is generated by wind and solar power. To ensure power during such periods alternative energy sources must be present in a sufficient capacity. When that happens countries use either fossil fuels (e.g. oil, methane gas, coal) or hydroelectricity, nuclear power and, less often, energy storage to prevent a power outage.
The first use of the term in an academic paper is in 2014.