German power plants slow production due to heat wave

Several German power plants have reduced production as the ongoing heat wave limits the amount of cooling water, writes Daniel Wetzel in an article in Die Welt. With air temperatures of more than 30 degrees across Germany, water in cooling towers becomes too hot itself, and the use of river water is limited by environmental regulation stipulating that the river temperature increase through added cooling water must not exceed a certain level. So far, only coal power plants are affected, but nuclear power plants might have to reduce production as well if the heat wave continues, writes Wetzel. However, serious supply bottlenecks or power outages in Europe are not to be expected in the short term, writes Wetzel. Lignite power plants are often not as affected by the heat wave, because many are cooled with mine water, which has a stable temperature all year round, he writes.

Read the article in German here.