European governments and railway operators are using water sprays and white paint to protect critical infrastructure from extreme heat [1, 2].
These measures are necessary because record temperatures cause rail tracks to buckle, roads to melt, and power grids to strain [1, 2]. Without intervention, the physical degradation of transport networks could lead to widespread service failures and safety hazards across the continent.
To combat the rising temperatures, authorities are applying white paint to surfaces to reflect sunlight and heat [1, 2]. This technique aims to lower the surface temperature of roads and other infrastructure, reducing the risk of asphalt melting under intense sun.
In addition to painting, railway operators are deploying water sprays on tarmac and tracks [1, 2]. The cooling effect of the water helps stabilize the temperature of the rails, preventing the thermal expansion that leads to buckling, a phenomenon that can derail trains.
These efforts were intensified during a record-breaking heatwave in July 2024 [2]. The scale of the deployment reflects a broader race to adapt existing infrastructure to a climate where extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe [1, 2].
Power grids are also a primary focus of these preventative cooling strategies [1, 2]. High temperatures can reduce the efficiency of electricity transmission and increase the risk of equipment failure, prompting governments to integrate these heat-mitigation tactics into their broader energy security plans.
“European governments and railway operators are using water sprays and white paint to protect critical infrastructure”
The shift toward active cooling of infrastructure indicates that European transit and energy networks were not originally engineered for the current frequency of extreme heat. By implementing temporary fixes like water sprays and reflective coatings, governments are attempting to bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and the necessity for long-term, heat-resistant materials.
