Heatwave disrupts French nuclear power plantsTemperatures are forecast to rise from already high levels across much of western Europe in the coming days, with Electricite de France likely to from this weekend it will limit electricity production in nuclear reactorsbecause the high water temperature in rivers limits the possibility of discharging heated water into the watercourse, as this may endanger fish and other wild animals.
Two power plants at risk
Production cuts are likely to affect for the Bugey nuclear power plant located near the town of Saint-Vulbas, in the Rhône-Alpes region, on the Rhône River, about 30 km from Lyon. The curtailment at the Bugey plant is expected from Saturday to Thursday next week, the French grid operator said in a statement. Tricastin Plant, which is located in the south of France on the Canal de Donzère-Mondragon near the Donzère-Mondragon dam could see cuts from Sunday.
Possible temporary increase in energy prices
As Bloomberg notes, France’s fleet of 56 reactors supplies more than two-thirds of the country’s power and is a cornerstone of the European electricity market. While the potential cuts are not a cause for concern in terms of energy supply, they could cause an increase in electricity prices in the short term.
