Global warming’s impact on energy production

New Scientist : This year at least four nuclear power plants in the US were forced to close because of an extended heat wave and drought. Power plants depend on water for cooling, but hotter air causes more water to evaporate. When water levels are low, or the water becomes too warm, the plants can’t operate efficiently. Nuclear plants are particularly vulnerable because they require a lot of water to cool their turbines, but coal and natural gas plants can be affected too. Other energy production methods are also feeling the heat; biofuels are made with corn, but this year’s harvests are expected to be only 75% of normal yields. Although the US should be able to meet its energy demands this year, according to the North American Energy Reliability Corp, ever-warming temperatures and a growing population are going to continue to be a problem.