Europe energy crisis as heatwaves impact nuclear and hydropower

A severe heatwave and drought are causing an energy crisis across Europe, impacting both nuclear and hydroelectric power generation. Low river levels have forced significant shutdowns of critical infrastructure.

In Romania, the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, which relies on the Danube for cooling water, was forced to shut down. Similarly, Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant had to reduce output due to low water levels, causing a sudden 50 percent deficit in energy needs. In France, nuclear facilities are also facing challenges due to rising river temperatures.

The Alpine region is experiencing a major shortfall in hydroelectricity. In Switzerland and Austria, hydropower production has dropped significantly compared to the previous year, with Austria seeing a 26 percent decrease. In Italy, reservoir levels have reached record lows. According to the Ember Energy think tank, hydropower production in the EU during May, June, and July was at its lowest level in at least a decade.