Future heatwaves will knock nuclear, gas and coal power plants offline | Innovation

By Michael Le Page

As large parts of the northern hemisphere swelter in record heat, yet another consequence of global warming is becoming apparent. Across Europe, several nuclear reactors and at least one coal-fired plant have had to be temporarily shut down, and others have reduced their output.

The world gets 80 per cent of its electricity from power plants that needs lots of cool water, which is a major problem in a warming and drier world. If nothing is done, there could be major …