Heat disrupts nuclear power sector in France as three reactors shut down and eight scale back
Heat wave disrupts nuclear power generation in France (photo: Getty Images)
France has shut down three nuclear reactors due to extreme temperatures. The move is intended to limit environmental damage caused by the discharge of heated cooling water into nearby rivers, Le Figaro reports.
French energy company EDF decided so after peak temperatures were recorded on Sunday. The same day, 37 French departments were placed under the highest-level red heat alert.
According to the report, the affected reactors are located near rivers. They include the Golfech Nuclear Power Plant on the Garonne River, the Bugey Nuclear Power Plant on the Rhône River, and the Chooz Nuclear Power Plant on the Meuse River.
France operates 57 nuclear reactors, which generate about 70% of the country's electricity. All of them are located near rivers or the sea to facilitate cooling.
The French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) sets maximum allowable water temperature limits for each facility.
As a result, every major heat wave automatically leads to reductions in nuclear power generation.
The current heat wave began in France on July 4. During the record-breaking heat in June, EDF was also forced to shut down three reactors: first at Golfech on the Garonne River, then at Bugey on the Rhône River, and another at Nogent-sur-Seine.
Last month, Europe experienced an all-time temperature record, with June 2026 becoming the hottest June ever recorded in Western Europe.
The region's average temperature reached 20.74°C (69.3°F), more than 3°C above the 1991-2020 average.
Earlier reports said that nearly 1,000 people had died during the heat wave in France over the course of a week, with fatalities recorded beginning on June 24.
