France Cuts 6.4 GW Nuclear Power Amid Heatwave

Key facts

• France has reduced nuclear power generation by 6.4 GW due to an intense heatwave.
• Eight reactors were forced to curtail power output, with two fully offline.
• The measures are to protect aquatic life from hot water discharge into rivers.
• The curtailed power is equivalent to 14% of France's total power demand.
• France remained a net exporter of electricity despite the reduced nuclear output.

France's nuclear power generation has been significantly reduced by 6.4 gigawatts due to an intense and prolonged heatwave, forcing eight reactors to curtail output or shut down. The measures are necessary to prevent the discharge of excessively hot water into rivers, which are already suffering from high temperatures, thereby protecting aquatic life. This reduction represents approximately 14% of France's overall power demand as of Monday morning. Despite these curbs, France continued to be a net exporter of electricity, sending over 10 GW to neighboring countries. The heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for days, has led to red alerts across France and has been linked to thousands of heat-related deaths since late June. Even the Tour de France experienced a shortened stage due to the extreme conditions.