Record European heatwave and drought disrupt power generation and river transport

Record-breaking ocean temperatures and extreme drought across Western and Central Europe are causing severe disruptions to regional energy grids and transport networks. Global ocean surface temperatures climbed to a historic high of 20.96°C in July, while Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July combined on record.

Critical water drops in major river systems like the Danube have disrupted inland shipping and forced power generation cutbacks. In Hungary and Romania, falling river levels prompted authorities to temporarily close or reduce capacity at nuclear power plants due to insufficient cooling water. Romanian naval forces even detonated underwater rock beds to redirect river flow toward critical cooling intakes. The receding waters have also uncovered submerged World War II military gear and mammoth remains. Economists warn that these logistical and energy bottlenecks could cost Central European economies up to two billion euros during the third quarter.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)