In France, three nuclear reactors have been temporarily shut down due to the severe heatwave, whilst a further eight are operating at reduced capacity. These measures were taken to protect the environment and prevent river water from overheating, according to the energy company EDF.
Specifically, reactors at the Golfech, Bugey and Chooz nuclear power stations – which use water from the Garonne, Rhône and Meuse rivers for cooling – have been temporarily shut down.
The company explained that the decision was taken due to high air temperatures and the need to comply with environmental standards regarding the temperature of the water returned to the rivers after cooling the reactors. This should prevent further heating of water bodies that are already suffering from the heat.
At the same time, the French Ministry of the Economy has granted a temporary exemption allowing temperature limits for water discharge to be exceeded in the area around the Bugey nuclear power station. The exemption will remain in force until 20 July and is intended to support the stability of the country’s power system.
This is the second time in recent weeks that EDF has been forced to reduce electricity generation at its nuclear power stations due to extreme heat. Previous reactor shutdowns occurred following a record heatwave in June.
France is currently experiencing its third heatwave since the beginning of May. According to the National Meteorological Service, more than a third of the country is under the highest level of weather warning. The heatwave has affected more than 25 million people, and air temperatures in some regions could reach 41 degrees Celsius.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the severe heatwave in Europe has broken numerous temperature records and has had serious consequences for human health, ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure and productivity.
As stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, extreme heat is expected to occur with increasing frequency, intensity and duration. Europe is the warmest continent in the world.