Group 1 - The extreme heat wave this summer has significantly increased electricity demand in Europe, with a 7.5% year-on-year rise in overall electricity demand in the EU during the peak heat wave period from June 23 to July 3 [1] - The heat wave has caused substantial operational challenges for power plants, leading to a 40% month-on-month decrease in hydroelectric generation for the UK power company SSE due to high temperatures and severe drought [1] - Many inland nuclear power plants in France and Switzerland have had to temporarily shut down or reduce output due to cooling difficulties caused by high temperatures [1] Group 2 - The demand for air conditioning and cooling devices has surged, with 6% of households in Germany currently having air conditioning, projected to rise to 8% by 2030 [2] - Air conditioning sales on the European shopping platform Galaxus skyrocketed by 233% year-on-year in June, marking a historical high, with first-half shipments surpassing the total for the previous year [2] - The EU has emphasized the need for new energy assets and infrastructure to be designed with climate resilience to withstand extreme heat, as solar power generation in June increased by 22% year-on-year, reaching a historical high [2]