European energy systems face strain from extreme heat and drought

A severe summer heatwave in 2026 has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Europe’s electricity systems, as extreme temperatures and drought impact power generation and cooling capabilities.

Nuclear energy facilities across the continent are facing operational crises due to receding river levels. In Hungary, the Paks nuclear plant, which provides nearly half of the nation’s electricity, has faced threats to its cooling capacity from low water levels in the Danube. The Hungarian government has reportedly attempted to conserve upstream water by placing rocks in the riverbed. Similarly, Romania has utilized explosives to redirect Danube water to cool its reactors, while France has seen a 20 percent reduction in nuclear production due to drought and jellyfish invasions.

Thermal and hydropower generation are also under pressure. In Poland, coal-fired plants using Vistula river water have had to reduce operations. While the European Commission noted that immediate adequacy risks have been avoided, the situation remains tight due to lower hydropower availability and reduced thermal capacity. Experts emphasize that while renewable capacity has increased, energy storage and stable baseload power remain critical for managing evening peak demands during heatwaves.