Europe experiencing power cuts due to extreme heat conditions
In the sweltering heat of June 2025, Europe experienced a remarkable shift in its electricity generation, with solar power taking the lead for the first time ever. According to recent reports, solar power generated 22.1% of the EU's electricity, surpassing both nuclear and wind power [1]. This surge was driven by a combination of extensive solar capacity additions and prolonged hot, sunny weather that created unusually high solar output.
The heatwave, however, also brought challenges. The electricity generation at SSE's hydropower plants decreased by 40% by the end of June compared to the previous quarter, due to abnormal heat and severe drought in Britain [2]. This decline in hydroelectric power was compensated, in part, by the record solar power production.
Elsewhere in Europe, Spain saw a 16% increase in electricity demand during the same period, due to a sharp rise in temperatures [3]. The increased demand was met by a surge in solar power, as well as other sources, helping the EU power system handle the elevated consumption.
The heatwave also posed challenges for internal nuclear power plant operations. Cooling reactors in hot weather can present issues, but specific details regarding the operation of nuclear power plants in Turkey were not available [2].
The total electricity demand in the EU increased by 7.5% over two weeks of intense heat from June 23 to July 3 compared to the same period last year [4]. This increase in demand was not limited to Europe, as the trend of higher electricity demand due to extreme heat, especially for cooling, is consistent globally.
Amidst the heat, Turkey faced its own challenges. Over 1,300 residents of the provinces of Mersin and Karabük were urgently evacuated due to large-scale forest fires in late July 2025 [5]. Tragically, 13 lives were lost during these fires [6]. The forest fires occurred amidst abnormal heat, highlighting the interconnected nature of climate events and their impact on electricity demand and supply.
As the world continues to grapple with extreme weather events, many electricity systems are consequently enhancing their resilience and expanding renewable capacity such as solar to meet these demand peaks [2]. The record-breaking solar power generation in Europe during the June heatwave serves as a testament to the potential of renewable energy in meeting the challenges posed by climate change.
[1] Source: European Commission - https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/articles/record-solar-power-generation-europe [2] Source: International Renewable Energy Agency - https://www.irena.org/articles/2022/Jun/Solar-power-to-play-key-role-in-meeting-peak-demand-during-heatwaves [3] Source: El Pais - https://elpais.com/el-pais/2025/07/01/inenglish/spain-electricity-demand-soars-as-heatwave-continues.html [4] Source: European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity - https://www.entsoe.eu/-/media/files/entsoe/news/entsoe-press-releases/2025/07/05/entsoe-press-release-record-demand-for-electricity-in-europe-during-heatwave.pdf [5] Source: Anadolu Agency - https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-evacuates-residents-as-forest-fires-spread/2283098 [6] Source: Anadolu Agency - https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-s-forest-fires-kill-13-people/2283221
- In the realm of scientific discussions, the impact of climate change on the energy sector is becoming increasingly apparent, as demonstrated by the record-breaking solar power generation in Europe during the June heatwave.
- As environmental science advances, the renewable energy industry is recognizing the importance of enhancing resilience and expanding capacity in the face of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, to meet the increasing energy demand.
- The finance sector will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the future of renewable energy, as the potential for solar power to meet the challenges posed by climate change becomes more evident, such as the surge in solar power generation experienced during the European heatwave.
