Forest fires threaten solar power stations across Europe and Middle East

Forest fires have increased sharply across Europe and parts of the Arab world, threatening solar power stations and prompting calls for protective measures.

By Middle East Affairs
September 5, 2026
A large wildfire burns in the distance with massive orange flames and smoke rising against the night sky, while a fire truck is positioned in the foreground at what appears to be an industrial or commercial facility.
Emergency responders in a fire truck stand ready as a major wildfire rages in the background, illustrating the scale and proximity of forest fires that now threaten critical infrastructure including solar power facilities across Europe and the Middle East. (Attaqa — الطاقة)
1 min read
Text size

Forest fires pose a growing threat to solar power installations across Europe and the Middle East, according to monitoring by Power Platform, a specialized energy publication based in Washington. The frequency of wildfires has risen sharply across Europe in recent years and has also affected some Arab countries, including Algeria.

The fires are not limited to forested areas but have begun reaching solar power stations with increasing regularity. Protecting solar installations from such fires requires a range of preventive and containment measures, experts say.

Power Platform has been tracking recent sector developments as authorities work to address the expanding threat posed by these incidents.

Forest fires threaten solar power stations across Europe and Middle East | Middle East Affairs