Jellyfish swarms force EdF to close 3.2 GW of nuclear power

• 32 minutes ago (2026-08-12)
• David Flin

Europe 1181 Nuclear 744

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A massive influx of jellyfish has forced EdF to shut three units at the Gravelines nuclear power plant and reduce output at a fourth unit. This has resulted in 3.2 GW of capacity being taken offline during a period of high demand.

The high temperatures in Europe have caused jellyfish populations to increase dramatically. Pumping stations for coastal nuclear power plants such as Gravelines usually draw in seawater for cooling, potentially exposing them to marine life.

Two of the reactors are due to come back online by the end of 12 August. The other two reactors, with a combined capacity of 1.8 GW, will remain offline until the end of the week.