Hot summer could limit French nuclear output

• 2 years ago (2022-07-06)
• David Flin

Europe 1089 Nuclear 659

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France’s EDF may be forced to reduce nuclear output because of expected prolonged high temperatures over the summer months. France already faces reduced electricity generation because of unexpected maintenance issues at its aging nuclear reactors.

Catherine Laugier, Environment Director at EDF, said: “We have had a peculiar year due to the drought that has started early, especially in south-eastern France. But there is generally a little bit less water available this year.”

EDF faces the prospect of having to reduce output because of insufficient river water, which is often used to cool reactors before being returned to the water at a higher temperature. Regulations limit reactor output during times of exceptional heat and low water levels to prevent the process from damaging local wildlife.

Laugier said: “We’ve had some production cuts between the end of May and early June. That was earlier than usual. There are some global evaluations suggesting that this might be a very long summer and the levels could be impacted in September.”