France Halts Nuclear Reactors Amid Extreme Heat

France has temporarily halted operations at two nuclear reactors as an environmental precaution against record-breaking heat and its impact on river temperatures. The state-owned energy company EDF cited ecological regulations designed to protect river ecosystems as the reason for the shutdown.

The reactors affected are located at the Nogent-sur-Seine power plant, north of Paris on the Seine River, and the Bugey plant near Lyon on the Rhone River. EDF is legally obligated to monitor the temperature of the river water used for cooling. When river temperatures rise significantly during heatwaves, operators must reduce or stop power generation to avoid exceeding legal limits for discharging warmer water, which can harm aquatic life.

This measure comes as France grapples with an intense heatwave, which has led to widespread health warnings. More than half of the country's 96 departments are under a red alert, signifying a life-threatening situation. Authorities are urging residents to avoid direct sun exposure and remain vigilant as temperatures are forecast to climb, potentially reaching 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Mediterranean region.

The extreme heat has already had fatal consequences, with at least 18 confirmed deaths linked to the heatwave as of Monday. The shutdowns highlight the challenges faced by energy infrastructure in adapting to the escalating impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.