Heatwave forces power plant shutdowns across Europe, putting electricity grid under strain

Six European Union countries have had to shut down some of their power plants due to lower river levels and increased water temperatures caused by heatwaves. The solar eclipse on August 12 also threatens to sharply reduce photovoltaic output.

Six European Union countries have had to shut down some of their power plants due to lower river levels and increased water temperatures caused by heatwaves. The solar eclipse on August 12 also threatens to sharply reduce photovoltaic output.

Europe has experienced extreme heatwaves and wildfires this summer, particularly in Mediterranean countries.

Record low water levels in Europe's major rivers have ​reduced electricity output and shrunk company earnings, stoking fears about the economic impact of searing heat and erratic rainfall. Governments across Central and Eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity and avert an energy crisis as record low w