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Europe's Rivers Dry: Hydropower Halved
4 Aug
Summary
- Hydropower output is nearly 50% below average in Austria and Switzerland.
- Low water levels impact clean energy mix and may force fossil fuel reliance.
- Hybridization of renewables could boost grid efficiency, experts say.
Europe is experiencing a severe drought, leading to hydropower output that is close to an all-time low. Inflows to reservoirs in Austria and Switzerland were nearly 50% below average in July. This has resulted in significantly reduced electricity generation, with Austria and Switzerland seeing roughly half of their normal production. Germany and France have also reported lower hydropower output.
Hydropower is a crucial part of the EU's renewable energy, providing 28% of its electricity in the first quarter of 2026. The current deficit means some countries may need to revert to polluting fossil fuels. For instance, gas generation in the EU rose by eight percent last year, partly due to reduced hydropower output.
Amid these challenges, solar generation has increased significantly, setting new records. This highlights the need for a diversified renewable energy mix. Experts propose "hybridization," combining wind, solar, and storage at a single grid connection, to utilize existing infrastructure more efficiently and integrate more renewables without additional grid capacity.
