Record-low water levels in Europe’s major rivers are disrupting electricity generation, cargo transport and business operations as prolonged heatwaves and drought continue across the continent. The shrinking waterways have reduced hydropower output, affected nuclear plant cooling systems and highlighted the growing economic impact of climate change.

Countries including Serbia, Hungary, Romania and France have cut power generation due to insufficient river water for hydropower and nuclear facilities. Several nations are expected to rely more on electricity imports, while low river levels have also disrupted the transport of grain, oil and other goods along key waterways such as the Danube and Rhine.

The drought has also affected company earnings, with utilities reporting lower hydropower production and reduced profits. Businesses across Europe are facing rising operational challenges as extreme weather exposes the need for more resilient energy and transport infrastructure.

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