Jellyfish swarm forces shutdown of 3 French nuclear reactors

France's electricity generation faced a disruption as a swarm of jellyfish forced the shutdown of three nuclear reactors at the Gravelines power plant. The incident occurred when the marine organisms infiltrated the plant's seawater pumping stations, prompting safety measures.

According to a statement from the French electric utility EDF, the activities of three reactors were completely halted. Additionally, the power output of a fourth reactor was reduced by half as a precautionary measure. Reactor number six at the plant continues its operations, while reactor number five had already been taken offline for scheduled maintenance.

This event highlights the critical reliance of France's energy sector on its nuclear fleet. Nuclear power accounts for approximately 70% of the country's electricity production, generated across 57 nuclear reactors. These reactors require substantial amounts of water for cooling, which they draw from nearby rivers or the sea.