Great Britain’s National Energy System Operator issued a notice requesting additional electricity supplies to manage increased demand expected during hot weather conditions. The operator forecast tight electricity margins during the evening peak period on Thursday, citing extreme temperatures across Europe and reduced availability at some generation facilities.
The warning arrives weeks after a similar advisory during the previous heatwave, when the UK recorded a provisional temperature high of 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk on 27 June, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1976. Current forecasts indicate southern England may reach 34C on Thursday, though temperatures are expected to remain below June’s record levels. The hot weather is projected to persist for approximately 10 days.
Neso characterized the electricity margin notice as a routine tool for balancing the electrical system and stated there is no risk to customer electricity supplies. The operator said it would continue monitoring conditions and take necessary actions to maintain secure supplies. The notice raises the prospect of higher-than-average payments to gas power plants to meet electricity demand.
Challenges are not limited to Britain. France’s state-owned utility company EDF reported that the heatwave is straining its nuclear reactors, which regularly export power to the UK and Germany. Hot weather affects river water temperatures used for reactor cooling, potentially forcing output reductions at up to five nuclear plants. Western Europe is experiencing its third heatwave in six weeks, triggering significant wildfires in France and Spain, with France reporting 35,400 hectares burned and Spain 55,128 hectares according to the European Forest Fire Information System.
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