Why is crucial tech vulnerable to the heat?
Summary
Extreme heat can cause important electrical and technology equipment to stop working correctly. During recent heatwaves, power transformers and IT systems in places like France and England have been damaged or slowed down, leading to power outages and service interruptions.Key Facts
- A transformer in Brittany, France, overheated during a heatwave of about 40°C, causing power outages for over 100,000 people.
- Heatwaves can cause electrical equipment, telecom gear, and railway systems to fail or perform poorly.
- Six NHS trusts in England declared critical incidents when their medical IT and lab equipment were affected by heat.
- High temperatures reduce the efficiency of electricity generation, with gas power stations dropping output by around 10% at 40°C compared to 20°C.
- Solar panels also lose some efficiency as temperatures rise above 27°C, though sunny weather during heatwaves can initially boost solar energy production.
- Metal power lines expand and sag in heat, which can cause safety risks and force operators to reduce electricity flow to prevent accidents.
- UK energy networks are working on making infrastructure stronger against climate-related heat challenges.
- Past heatwaves, like in 2022, caused power cuts and hospital data centers to fail, showing the risks heat poses to critical technology systems.
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