Key facts
- Great Britain's energy system operator warned of tight electricity margins on Thursday evening.
- The National Energy System Operator (Neso) requested additional generation or flexibility from participants.
- Extreme temperatures across Europe are reducing the availability of some generation.
- French utility EDF warned that hot weather could affect its nuclear reactor output, potentially reducing production.
- The current heatwave is expected to last over 10 days.
Great Britain's energy system operator has issued a warning regarding potential power supply shortages on Thursday night due to extreme temperatures. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) requested additional electricity from power generators to meet increased demand from households using cooling appliances. This measure is a routine tool to balance the electricity system, according to Neso, which stated there is no risk to customer supplies. The operator indicated that forecasts show tight electricity margins during the evening peak period, partly because extreme temperatures across Europe are reducing the availability of some generation.
This situation follows similar pleas for extra electricity during a previous heatwave last month, when the UK recorded a provisional high of 37.7C. While current temperatures are not expected to break June's record, the hot weather is forecast to persist for over 10 days.
Meanwhile, French state-owned utility company EDF has warned that the ongoing heatwave is straining its nuclear reactors. Hot weather affects the temperature of river water used for cooling, potentially leading to reduced output at up to five of its nuclear plants. This could impact power exports to the UK and Germany. Western Europe is experiencing its third heatwave in six weeks, contributing to significant wildfires in France and Spain.