Europe’s Heatwave Is Hitting Refineries And Power Supplies

Extreme heat and drought are beginning to impair Europe’s energy system. Refineries are losing cooling efficiency, river levels are forcing cuts to nuclear generation, hydroelectric output is falling and inland fuel transport is becoming more expensive as barges carry smaller cargoes.

Temperatures above 40°C have become increasingly common across large parts of southern and central Europe, with prolonged drought shrinking rivers, drying soils and fueling destructive wildfires.