Energy prices in Europe rise - Heat wave curbs French nuclear and German wind production
The fifth wave of summer heat has pushed up electricity prices in Europe by more than 20%, with high temperatures expected to further limit nuclear power generation in France, while wind speeds in Germany are expected to slow.
French electricity prices for the previous day rose 21.8% to 142.5 euros/megawatt hour, while the equivalent German contract rose 22.8% to 138.50 euros/MWh, LSEG data showed.
France relies on nuclear power for about 70% of its energy production. Two French nuclear reactors are expected to be completely out of service due to high water temperatures, while four units have planned restrictions. Another nuclear reactor is expected to be out of service due to low river levels.
French rules limit the amount of heat that power plants can discharge into rivers to protect the environment, forcing reactors to reduce output when water temperatures rise during heat waves.
Meanwhile, German wind power production is expected to fall by 8.1 GW to 4.7 GW, about 60% below average for this time of year, LSEG data showed.
Heat waves tend to bring calm weather, limiting wind production and increasing reliance on gas power, which is increasingly expensive due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Germany's growing reliance on wind and solar power has replaced gas and coal, so when wind speeds drop, the country must increase gas turbine capacity to fill the gap.
The heatwave will also increase demand for energy as people turn on fans and air conditioners, putting more pressure on prices. Temperatures are expected to continue to rise in the coming days, reaching between 35 and 39 degrees Celsius in most regions, but could start to fall over the coming weekend, Meteo-France said.
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