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A surge in solar power helped Europe meet rising electricity demand during a series of intense heatwaves in June and July, according to a new analysis by energy think tank Ember.
Solar generation increased by up to 17% in some European countries during heatwave days, helping ease pressure on power grids as electricity demand jumped by as much as 28%.
Heatwaves often lead to a sharp rise in electricity use as households and businesses turn on air conditioners and fans to cope with extreme temperatures.
Ember found that during a late-June heatwave, daily electricity demand rose by 28% in Italy, 23% in Hungary, 14% in France and 13% in Spain compared with days before the heatwave.
At the same time, solar power was the only major electricity source to perform better than usual, according to the analysis.
Average daily solar generation during the heatwaves was 17% higher in France and Hungary than on other days in June and July. Solar output was 5% higher in Spain and remained at a similar level in Italy.
The findings highlight the growing role of solar energy in meeting electricity demand during extreme heat, when cooling systems can place heavy pressure on power networks.
The International Energy Agency estimates that space cooling, mainly through air conditioners and fans, accounted for around 7% of global electricity consumption in 2022.
The impact of extreme heat on electricity demand was also evident in France during the early summer heatwaves of 2025, when evening electricity demand reached a peak 25% above the seasonal average, largely because of increased air-conditioning use.
Ember said the latest figures show that solar power can be particularly valuable during heatwaves because its generation often rises at the same time that demand for cooling increases.
As Europe experiences more frequent periods of extreme heat, the analysis suggests that expanding solar capacity could help strengthen the resilience of the region’s electricity system.
