The solar eclipse on August 12 threatens the European electricity grid / Nuclear and coal power plants have reduced production due to extreme heat.

On August 12, a total solar eclipse will affect the electric grid of Europe, which is already facing challenges due to heatwaves. Nuclear and coal power plants in Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, France, Italy, and Poland have been forced to halt operations due to high temperatures and low water levels.

Hydroelectric reservoirs in Norway, a major energy exporter, have reached their lowest levels in three decades. The eclipse will reduce solar energy production in Spain by up to 5 GW, and across Europe, a loss of 9.7 GW is expected between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM.

Grid operators are preparing to balance the system using other energy sources. In the UK, a reduction of about 700 megawatts in solar production is anticipated. In the context of the heatwave, European officials are closely monitoring the energy situation and weather forecasts.