8th October 2026
Droughts and energy supplies
The German language has a lovely word to describe those days when there is neither sunshine nor wind to power renewable energy – Dunkelflaute. We are probably less aware of the impact that drought can have on energy supplies.
Hydro power clearly is dependent on a sufficient fall or flow of water to drive the turbines. During periods of low river flow, less energy can be produced. (Tidal power is not affected but would I imagine be affected by storms which might overwhelm the system.)
Nuclear power relies on water for cooling. In the UK nuclear power stations are located by the coast and use sea water for cooling, but many nuclear power stations in Europe use river water for cooling. During droughts they are therefore adversely effected with low river levels, but equally when the river volume is low, it is not possible to return the cooling water to the river because the heat of this water cannot be sufficiently dissipated by the river water to ensure the wellbeing of river wildlife.
Gas and coal power stations steam water to drive the turbines – if there are several water shortages, this will impact their ability to produce electricity.
As consumers we can
- support a range of renewable energy sources through utilising a green electricity tariff (a mix of solar, hydro and wind seems to be the ideal especially if combined with battery storage).
- Aim to minimise the amount of energy we need to use, and by limiting our consumption of consumer goods – joy in enough (1) – to help curtail industrial demand for both water and energy.
- https://greenchristian.org.uk/introduction/action/joy-in-enough/
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/27/lessons-from-enoughfluencers-how-to-live-happier-simpler-life?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
- https://roedean.co.uk/blog/roedean-environmentalism-needs-pleasure-not-just-alarm-sustainability-lead/
