The National Energy System Operator (Neso) has issued a fresh warning over power supplies as Great Britain experiences its third heatwave of the year. The operator asked for additional electricity from generators on Thursday night to meet the surge in demand from households using fans and air conditioners.
Extreme temperatures drive demand
Parts of southern England are expected to reach 34°C on Thursday, and while temperatures may not break June's record of 37.7°C, the hot spell is forecast to last over 10 days. Neso stated that its forecasts indicate tight electricity margins during the evening peak due to extreme temperatures across Europe, which reduce generation availability.
In a statement, Neso said: "Our forecasts indicate tight electricity margins during tomorrow [Thursday] evening's peak period. This is due to extreme temperatures across Europe, reducing the availability of some generation." However, it emphasized that the notice is a routine tool and there is no risk to customer supplies.
Impact on energy markets and nuclear plants
The notice raises the possibility of Neso paying higher-than-average prices to gas power plants to ensure demand is met. Across the Channel, French utility EDF warned that the heatwave could curb output at up to five nuclear reactors, which regularly export power to the UK and Germany, due to high river water temperatures used for cooling.
Western Europe is experiencing its third heatwave in six weeks, sparking wildfires in France and Spain. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, 35,400 hectares have burned in France and 55,128 hectares in Spain.
