Extreme heatwaves in Europe, which some reports have caused an additional 10,000 deaths across the continent, have forced France to shut down its nuclear reactors.
EDF, France’s state-owned energy company, closed three nuclear reactors on Sunday and seven others that may soon also have to operate at lower power.
Decommissioned reactors include:
- Unit 2 in Golfech,
- Unit 3 at Bugey,
- Unit 2 in Chooz
Together, they represent around 6% of France’s total nuclear power.
The reason for this precaution is not the heatwave itself but the river water used to cool the reactors of nuclear power plants.
The water returns to the river after cooling the reactors, but it itself comes out hotter. With rivers already warmed by the weather, discharge into warmer waters could harm fish and other riverine species.
An EDF spokesperson said there were no safety concerns since the reactors can easily withstand high temperatures, adding that the shutdowns exist only to protect the environment.
According to current weather forecasts, the Bugey reactor should restart around July 19.
Golfech should restart around July 22 and Chooz around July 25. These dates could be postponed if the weather changes.
