A hot, deadly summer is coming with frequent blackouts worldwide
- War, drought, shortages and the pandemic mean energy markets have suffered, and so have consumers; and things are going to get worse, analysts say
- Lives will be put at risk and there will huge economic shocks as this year presents the biggest-ever strain on global power
Global power grids are about to face their biggest test in decades with electricity generation strangled in the world’s largest economies.
War, drought, shortages, historically low inventories, and a pandemic backlash: energy markets across the planet have been put through the wringer over the past year, and consumers have suffered the consequences of soaring prices. Yet, somehow, things are on track to get even worse.
Blame the heat. Summer in much of the Northern Hemisphere is a typical peak for electricity use. This year, it’s going to be sweltering as climate change tightens its grip. It’s already so hot in parts of South Asia that the air temperatures are blistering enough to cook raw salmon. Scientists are predicting scorching months ahead for the US. Power use will surge as homes and businesses crank up air conditioners.
The problem is that energy supplies are so fragile that there just won’t be enough to go around, and power cuts will put lives at risk when there are no fans or air conditioners to provide relief from searing temperatures.
Asia’s heatwave has caused hours-long daily blackouts, putting more than 1 billion people at risk across Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India, with little relief in sight. Power supplies will be tight in China and Japan.
