Scorching heat in Europe in 2022 is crippling its hydroelectric facilities and forcing the governments to consider how to modify hydropower facilities as global warming speeds up. Even as Europe searches for new sources of energy following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the protracted dry period continues to add to the strain on energy supply. Hydropower is a vital source of energy for Europe, but as rivers and reservoirs dry up, it is becoming a challenge for facilities to generate electricity.
Countries Severely Affected in Europe
According to GlobalData, Europe accounts for 19% of global hydropower generation, and a crisis of this proportion on the continent is expected to send ripples across the global hydropower generation and supply. Due to persistently high temperatures and scanty rainfall, some of the biggest hydropower operators in Europe, particularly those with facilities in France, Italy, and Iberia, reported a sharp fall in production in the first half of 2022. The situation is critical in Italy, which generates one-fifth of its electricity from hydropower. The water flow in Serbia’s hydropower systems decreased by about half over the previous two months, which increased the country’s dependence on the import of electricity. Water levels in reservoirs also are low throughout much of Europe. The UK could see blackouts, with instructions to delay supper preparation or switch off lights to save energy, as drought conditions affect hydroelectric production and exert increasing pressure on energy supply.
Norway to the Rescue?
Due to soaring prices, hydropower generation in southern Norway increased week ending 12th August, potentially complicating Norway’s efforts to fill reservoirs before the onset of the winter demand. The Norwegian government is putting together a system to ensure that when seasonal reservoir levels are particularly low, replenishing takes precedence over production and power exports. However, this system would not be ready until the beginning of 2023.
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