Three nuclear reactors have been shut down in France due to extreme temperatures

The heatwave and prolonged drought in France are severely affecting electricity production.

The state company EDF has been forced to shut down three nuclear reactors, two from the Chooz plant and one from the Ardennes plant, due to the low levels of the Meuse and Moselle rivers. Additionally, the power output of three other reactors, Bugey 3, Tricastin 4, and Saint-Alban, has been reduced to comply with environmental legislation.

France, which produces about 70% of its electricity from its 57 nuclear reactors, relies on river water for cooling the facilities, making drought periods significantly impact their operation. July was the hottest month ever recorded, with an average temperature of 24.9 degrees Celsius and precipitation 70% below normal, leading to devastating fires that scorched over 117,000 hectares.

Almost the entire continental France is facing soil dryness, and water consumption restrictions are in effect in most departments.