Extreme heat is increasingly impacting critical infrastructure, a vulnerability exacerbated by climate change. Electrical grids, telecommunications equipment, and even vital health IT systems are showing signs of strain as record-breaking temperatures become more frequent.
In France, a "heat related" incident involving an electric transformer in Ergué-Gabéric, Brittany, left over 100,000 people without power during a recent heatwave that saw temperatures approach 40C (104F). Local authorities confirmed the malfunction, with social media videos appearing to show smoke rising from the facility. This occurred despite assurances from power company RTE just a day prior that electricity supply would not be a concern over the summer.
Technology, like humans, has its limits when it comes to high temperatures. Electrical and telecoms equipment, along with railway signaling cabinets, can falter under extreme heat, sometimes triggering alarm systems. In England, six National Health Service (NHS) trusts declared critical incidents due to hot weather adversely affecting IT systems, scanners, and laboratory equipment.
Experts note that the reduced efficiency of various components during high temperatures presents a significant challenge. Iain Staffell, from Imperial College London, explained that components within the electricity network, including power lines and transformers, struggle to maintain adequate cooling, which lowers overall efficiency. Staffell's research suggests that at 40C, the output of gas-fired power stations can drop by approximately 10% compared to performance at 20C.
Solar energy generation is also affected. While newer solar panels have become more resilient, the efficiency of solar panels still declines as temperatures rise. Data analyzed for the BBC indicated that in Great Britain, solar output tends to plateau and then slowly decrease once temperatures exceed 27C. However, extended sunny periods during heatwaves can still lead to higher solar output compared to cooler, cloudier days.
The physical infrastructure of power transmission is also susceptible. Power lines, made of metal, expand in heat, causing them to sag. This sagging can become a critical issue if the cables droop low enough to touch trees or buildings, potentially leading to accidents or power failures. A major blackout in North America in 2003 was partly attributed to such a scenario. To mitigate this risk, operators may reduce the amount of electricity transmitted through power lines during heatwaves, thereby limiting supply.
The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to human-caused climate change necessitate ongoing adaptation of infrastructure to cope with these environmental stresses.