Heat tests European power system

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High temperatures and low river levels have been testing Europe’s power system.

Romania has shut down its Cernavoda-2 nuclear reactor because of low water in the Danube.

Hungary briefly called for consumption cuts amid risks of a full stoppage at its Paks nuclear plant. But rising water levels helped it narrowly keep the site online.

France saw its lowest nuclear output this year in the week ended Aug. 9, with reactors offline due to environmental concerns.

The situation so far has been tight but not catastrophic.

Still, EU experts said the continent’s electricity system remains stable. Solar output, which has doubled since 2022, is a big supply boost.

Summer isn’t through, though, and neither are the risks.

Less output from other sources could push Europe to use more natural gas-fired generation when global LNG markets are already strained from the loss of Persian Gulf flows.

EU gas storage is low, and withdrawals have been above levels seen in recent years.

What’s more: hydrogeneration hit record lows across major European markets in July. 

Norway, a hydro-juggernaut, even warned producers to watch reservoir levels amid the dry spell. Low stocks could continue to sway power prices long after temperatures ease.