Heat Wave Hits Europe, Causing Disruption

Summary

A severe heat wave in Western Europe, especially France, is closing schools, disrupting travel, and causing record-high overnight temperatures. Surging electricity demand from air conditioning and supply constraints from low wind and nuclear reactor cutbacks have sent French day-ahead power prices to their highest since the 2022 energy crisis, with warnings of further reactor curtailments.

• Northwest Europe is experiencing a historic heat wave with temperatures above 35°C in London and record hot nights in France.
• Schools, nurseries, and attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre have been closing early.
• Power demand is surging as air conditioning use spikes simultaneously across the region.
• Low wind output and nuclear reactor reductions due to overheated river water are tightening electricity supply.
• French day-ahead power prices jumped to the highest level seen since the 2022 energy crisis.
• The French nuclear operator has warned that more reactor output cuts may be required.