The operator of Great Britain’s energy system has issued a warning regarding potential “extreme temperatures” that may impact electricity supplies on Thursday evening, as the UK faces its third heatwave this year.
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) released a statement overnight, requesting additional power from generators to accommodate the increased electricity demand resulting from households utilizing fans and air conditioning units to deal with the soaring temperatures.
This alert follows a similar request made by Neso during last month’s heatwave, which saw the UK record a provisional high of 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 27, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1976.
Forecasts indicate that certain regions in southern England may experience temperatures reaching 34°C on Thursday. Although these temperatures are not expected to exceed last month’s record highs, the warm weather is predicted to persist for over ten days.
Neso stated that it is “providing participants the opportunity to increase generation or flexibility during the anticipated period.” The operator noted, “Our projections show tight electricity margins during the peak period on Thursday evening. This is influenced by extreme temperatures across Europe, which have diminished the availability of some generation resources.”
Nonetheless, the government-owned organization emphasized that its “electricity margin notice” is a standard measure aimed at balancing the electricity system. “We will keep a close watch on the situation and take necessary actions to ensure secure electricity supplies,” it added. “There is no risk to customer electricity supplies.”
While power disruptions for households are not anticipated, the notice suggests that Neso may need to pay significantly higher prices to gas power plants to meet electricity demand.
Meanwhile, across the English Channel, the French state-owned utility EDF has cautioned that the ongoing heatwave is straining its nuclear power stations, which typically export energy to both the UK and Germany. The company indicated that it might have to reduce output at up to five of its nuclear facilities in the coming days due to the elevated temperatures affecting the river water used for cooling. This week, it plans to lower production and operate only two reactors, although this could mark the beginning of a series of reductions as the heatwave progresses through the continent.
Western Europe is currently enduring its third heatwave in six weeks, which has already led to wildfires in France and Spain. In France, approximately 35,400 hectares (87,474 acres) have burned, which is double the average in Spain, where around 55,128 hectares have been scorched, as reported by the European Forest Fire Information System.
