Updated
Updated · Euronews · Aug 11
EDF Nuclear Fleet Loses 20.4% Capacity as Heat, Drought and Jellyfish Hit 13 Reactors
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Aug 11

EDF Nuclear Fleet Loses 20.4% Capacity as Heat, Drought and Jellyfish Hit 13 Reactors

3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Aug 11

Summary

  • 20.4% of EDF's nuclear generating capacity was unavailable Wednesday, the highest environmental-related shortfall in AFP calculations since 2015.
  • 13 of 57 reactors were affected between 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with eight fully shut and five running at reduced power.
  • Gravelines accounted for much of the lost output after jellyfish clogged cooling-water pumps, forcing full or partial shutdowns at five of its six reactors.
  • Other cuts were tied to heatwaves and drought, which reduce cooling water and limit EDF's ability to discharge warmer water or effluents into rivers.
  • France gets about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, though an energy consultant said the outages should not threaten short-term supply.

Insights

Can France's ambitious industrial expansion survive if its biggest energy source is constantly defeated by jellyfish?
How could a swarm of brainless sea creatures manage to repeatedly cripple Europe's largest nuclear power plant?