Key facts
- France's nuclear power output is expected to fall by 15% on Friday.
- The reduction is caused by a severe heatwave.
- Six nuclear reactors are anticipated to be offline.
- The heatwave necessitates lowering the temperature of cooling water for reactors.
- Reduced output may impact electricity prices.
- Reduced output may affect cross-border power supply.
France's nuclear power production is set to decrease by approximately 15% of its total capacity on Friday. This significant reduction is a direct consequence of a severe heatwave affecting the country. The high ambient temperatures necessitate a decrease in the temperature of water used for cooling nuclear reactors, a standard safety procedure. As a result, six reactors are anticipated to be offline during this period. The impact of this reduced output is expected to be felt in electricity prices, likely leading to an increase, and could also affect cross-border power supply. This situation is part of a broader trend of energy production challenges across Europe due to the ongoing heatwave, which is impacting various energy sources.