French Nuclear Reactors Shut Down or Reduced Due to Heatwave

France is experiencing significant disruptions to its nuclear power generation as high temperatures force the shutdown of three reactors and the reduced operation of eight others. The affected reactors, located near rivers, must be temporarily halted or scaled back to comply with environmental regulations limiting the temperature of discharged cooling water. This measure is crucial to protect aquatic ecosystems from thermal pollution. Reactors at Golfech, Bugey, and Chooz are among those completely stopped, while others, including those at Saint-Alban, Blayais, and Tricastin, are operating at reduced capacity. Nuclear power provides about 70% of France's electricity, with all 57 reactors situated near water bodies for cooling. The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) sets strict temperature limits for discharged water. In response to the heatwave, which began July 4, the Ministry of Economy issued a temporary exemption for the Bugey plant, allowing it to discharge warmer water until July 20. This decision, requested by EDF, aims to maintain the stability of the national electricity grid, as stipulated by the grid operator RTE. EDF proposed a temporary 1°C limit for water discharged into the Rhône River near Bugey, coupled with enhanced environmental monitoring.

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Because of the climatic conditions and to respect the decrees on discharges, and therefore the environment