France’s state-owned energy company EDF has temporarily shut down three nuclear reactors and warned that seven others may need to reduce their electricity output as an intense heatwave continues to affect the country.
According to EDF, the measure was taken as an environmental protection requirement to prevent the discharge of excessively warm water into rivers that are already experiencing rising temperatures due to the extreme heat.
Nuclear power plants use river water to cool reactors before releasing the warmed water back into the environment. During periods of high temperatures, authorities impose restrictions to protect aquatic ecosystems.
“There is no risk to nuclear safety. The reactors are capable of operating under high-temperature conditions. These restrictions are aimed at protecting aquatic flora and fauna,” an EDF spokesperson said.
EDF confirmed that three reactors are currently offline:
- Golfech Unit 2 – 1,300 MW
- Bugey Unit 3 – 900 MW
- Chooz Unit 2 – 1,450 MW
Based on current weather forecasts, Bugey Unit 3 is expected to remain offline until July 19, Golfech Unit 2 until July 22, and Chooz Unit 2 until July 25.
EDF said the schedule and duration of these environmentally driven shutdowns will be adjusted depending on changes in weather forecasts.
The company added that seven additional nuclear reactors may be required to modify their electricity production, with output potentially fluctuating throughout the day as temperatures remain high.
The move highlights the growing challenges facing Europe’s energy infrastructure as climate-related extreme weather events increasingly affect electricity generation and supply systems.
