Key facts
- Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 43°C.
- Increased demand for cooling is straining the continent's electricity grid.
- Greece is projected to see the largest increase in electricity demand (38.62%) during extreme heat.
- Hungary has the longest average annual power outage duration in Europe at 2.92 hours.
- Italy faces the highest estimated annual cost of power outages for households at €154.7 million.
- Renewable energy, particularly solar power in Germany, has helped stabilize supply during previous heatwaves.
Europe is facing significant strain on its electricity grid due to a severe heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures increasing demand for cooling and raising concerns about potential blackouts. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 43°C in the Mediterranean, while Western Europe braces for potentially record-breaking highs.
Several European countries are implementing measures to cope with the heat, including school closures and restrictions on public activities. The increased demand for electricity, primarily for air conditioning and fans, creates a cycle where higher temperatures lead to greater energy consumption, which in turn can exacerbate climate change.
Analysis by Compare the Market indicates that Greece is the most exposed country, with electricity demand rising by 38.62% during extreme heat periods. Montenegro, Türkiye, Croatia, Italy, and Spain also show substantial increases in demand. Beyond demand spikes, the study also examined power outage durations, with Hungary recording the longest average annual outage at 2.92 hours, followed by Slovenia and Greece. Italy faces the highest estimated annual cost of power outages for households.
Despite the challenges, renewable energy sources, particularly solar power in Germany, have demonstrated their capacity to help stabilize the grid during heatwaves. Germany's significant solar generation, coupled with battery and pumped storage facilities, has been instrumental in managing electricity supply during peak demand periods.