France has temporarily shut down three nuclear reactors due to extreme temperatures.

The energy group EDF was forced to shut down three nuclear reactors on Sunday due to the intense heatwave affecting France, warning that another seven may require production cuts. The measure is taken to protect the environment, avoiding the discharge of hot water into already warmed rivers.

The EDF spokesperson assured that there are no risks to nuclear safety, and the reactors can operate at high temperatures, with limits set to protect aquatic life. The affected reactors are Golfech 2, Bugey 3, and Chooz 2, representing 6% of the total capacity of the French nuclear fleet.

The Ministry of Economy issued a temporary exemption for the Bugey plant, valid until July 20. EDF is working on a plan to adapt to the effects of climate change, estimated at 8.7 billion euros for the next 15 years, which includes measures to increase the resilience of nuclear production under extreme heat conditions.