You couldn't make it up...

The Natural Philosopher · 2026-06-24T11:26:06+00:00

From the DT.,.."Gas-powered plants across the UK have been ordered to fire up production as soaring temperatures trigger a slump in solar energy.The National Energy System Operator (Neso) issued a rare summer power supply warning overnight as the country braces for temperatures near 40C on Wednesday and Thursday.Gas plants have been urged to ramp up output to deal with high levels of demand expected on Wednesday night as homes and offices turn up the air conditioning to endure the heatwave.The notice comes as soaring temperatures make Britain’s solar farms less efficient, putting further strain on the power grid. Solar panel efficiency typically drops by 0.3pc to 0.5pc for every degree that a panel’s temperature rises above 25C.Noemie Baud, from energy consultancy Montel, said: “Higher demand for air conditioning and cooling systems is contributing to the increase [in power demand], while lower outputs from solar and gas generation means more conventional generation is required to meet demand, pushing up prices.”Data from the UK’s grid network showed gas generation jumped from around eight gigawatts at 12pm on Tuesday, to more than 17 gigawatts overnight.More than half of Britain’s power needs were being supplied by gas on Wednesday morning, with wind generating around 12pc and solar less than 10pc.“Our forecasts are showing tight margins on the electricity system for tomorrow evening,” Neso said on Tuesday night. “This is due to the impact of extremely high temperatures affecting Great Britain and the Continent and low wind.”Energy shortfallBritain was facing a 1.9 gigawatt shortfall in its “margin” for Wednesday night – the buffer between available power generation and total consumer demand – according to an alert at 9pm on Tuesday from Elexon, the company that manages the electricity trades that keep Britain’s lights on.The alert signals to Britain’s gas power plants and other suppliers to start generating more energy to meet the...

Jun 24, 2026 Last reply: 3 weeks ago 27 Replies

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Jeff Layman 3 weeks ago

Shouldn't it really be 12/7/52? Last time I checked solar didn't work in the dark. ;-)

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Jeff Layman 3 weeks ago

"The plany isn't frying...??"

You are Professor Stanley Unwin and I claim my five pounds! ;-)

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RJH 3 weeks ago

Far be it from me to challenge the DT (if that was where it was from), but while solar PV does become less efficient with higher temps - it's only a few percentage points in the ranges under discussion. My solar still managed to generate 18kW/hrs today - maximum ever is 22.

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The Natural Philosopher 3 weeks ago

Cataract operations are due...

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Jeff Layman 3 weeks ago

Good luck. Hope they work out ok.

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wasbit 3 weeks ago

You obviously missed the one where they had to recharge electic buses using a diesel generator.

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Max Demian 3 weeks ago

My dad said that in WW2 they fuelled ICE buses with a bag filled with coal gas on the roof, which became saggy as the gas was used.

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Andrew 3 weeks ago

Or causing 'cheapo' EV chargers to tripout when the voltage goes over 253V

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