A hot and exceptionally dry summer is disrupting nuclear power generation across Europe, forcing governments and energy companies to take extraordinary measures to maintain electricity supplies.
In Romania, state-owned Nuclearelectrica warned that it could shut down its last operating reactor as water levels in the Danube continue to fall. The country has declared an energy emergency through August and has resorted to measures including dredging the river and sinking rock-filled barges. Romanian naval forces also carried out a controlled underwater explosion to improve water flow to the cooling systems of the Cernavoda nuclear plant.
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Romania’s two nuclear reactors typically generate around a fifth of the country’s electricity. Hungary has seen some relief after rainfall raised Danube water levels, allowing another turbine at the Paks nuclear plant to restart. Two of its eight turbines are now operating, with the plant supplying nearly half of the country’s electricity.
France Faces Heat, Drought And Jellyfish Disruptions
France is facing similar challenges. Nuclear power provides around 70% of its electricity, but EDF has reduced output at several reactors because of environmental conditions. Three reactors at the Gravelines plant were also shut down after a large influx of jellyfish triggered automatic safety measures.
France’s nuclear power plants have faced repeated disruptions this summer amid extreme heat, drought and wildfires. Because many nuclear plants rely on rivers or coastal waters for cooling, low water levels and unusually high temperatures can directly affect their operations.
European governments are now considering measures including upgraded cooling systems and scheduling maintenance around periods of extreme heat.
Treating Extreme Heat As An Emergency
The U.K. has also stepped up its response. Prime Minister Andy Burnham called a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee as the country prepared for temperatures of up to 38°C.
Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit analyst Gareth Remond-King said the decision to treat extreme heat as an emergency may have come “a little overdue,” arguing that drought, wildfires and rising temperatures point to a broader climate crisis.
Heat Could Weigh On Europe’s Economy
The impact extends beyond energy infrastructure. An analysis by Dutch bank Triodos estimated that Europe’s extreme summer heat could cost the economy around €180 billion, largely because of weaker labour productivity. Triodos’ analysis estimates the impact at roughly 1% of EU GDP, equivalent to the bloc’s expected economic growth for 2026.
Heat is affecting the economy through lower agricultural output, higher food and electricity prices, reduced energy production, transport disruption and declining worker productivity. The latest disruptions highlight how increasingly extreme weather can affect not only Europe’s energy security but also economic growth and critical infrastructure.
