Europe Heat Wave Power Grid

A French nuclear plant shut down because cooling river water got too hot. That's Europe's new summer reality.

Scorching heat waves are squeezing power grids across the continent, raising dependence on imports and pushing electricity prices higher.

Unlike the US, where air conditioning is widespread, many European homes still lack it, so sudden demand spikes catch grids completely unprepared.

Experts warn of a triple threat: cooling demand surges, power plants lose efficiency, and nuclear or thermal facilities must cut output when water grows too warm.

As summers grow deadlier, should Europe pour billions into grid upgrades immediately, or wait for the first catastrophic blackout to make the decision?