French state energy company EDF has been forced to temporarily halt operations at several nuclear reactors due to an unprecedented heatwave sweeping across France and other Western European countries. The reason was not technical problems, but environmental requirements to protect river ecosystems, writes Euronews.
Illustrative image. Photo: AP
The halted reactors are located at the Nogent-sur-Seine nuclear power plant on the River Seine and Bugey on the River Rhône. Nuclear power plants use river water to cool their reactors, after which they return it to the river. However, during an intense heatwave, the river water temperature is already very high, and additional heating could harm fish, aquatic plants, and other living organisms. Therefore, legislation obliges operators to limit or halt reactor operations under such conditions.
Another reactor was shut down at the Golfech plant on the Garonne River, and power was reduced at several other nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, nuclear energy provides about 70 percent of all electricity generation in France.
Despite the restrictions, the French grid operator stated that the country currently has sufficient reserves to meet electricity demand.
The heatwave in France has already led to human casualties. According to official data, at least 18 deaths related to high temperatures have been confirmed. In addition, since mid-June, at least 40 people have drowned, many of whom were trying to escape the heat near water bodies.
The highest level of meteorological alert has been declared in more than half of French departments. Authorities are urging people to avoid sun exposure and to be especially cautious.
Extreme weather has affected not only France. High temperatures are also observed in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. Schools are closing in several regions, train services are being reduced, and energy systems are operating under increased load.
Forecasters warn that air temperatures in some Mediterranean areas could reach 43 degrees Celsius. Scientists note that extreme heatwaves in Europe are becoming increasingly prolonged. According to recent research, such periods now last 40 days longer per year in some regions than they did in the 1970s.
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Несмотря на сильную жару в Центральной Европе, с начала 2026 года глобальная температурная аномалия остаётся стабильной около +0,7 °C выше уровня 1981–2010.