France has temporarily shut down three nuclear reactors due to an extreme heatwave. Energy company EDF imposed the restrictions, Les Echos reports. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The affected reactors are the second reactor at the Golfech plant on the Garonne River, the third reactor at the Bugey plant on the Rhône River, and the second reactor at the Chooz plant on the Meuse River. According to the publication, output was reduced at eight other reactors due to high air and water temperatures.
Les Echos notes that the elevated temperature of river water used for cooling prevents the reactors from operating normally. A similar decision was made on July 9 for one of the Golfech reactors.
The hot weather continues to affect various aspects of life in France. Hospitals are under increased strain, with doctors comparing the number of patients suffering from heatstroke and other heat-related conditions to the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Authorities have warned of serious damage to agriculture, and many cities have canceled Bastille Day celebrations, including fireworks. The country also remains at high risk of wildfires.
France continues to battle natural fires. One of the largest fires in the Lot department was contained after burning about 155 hectares of forest and scrubland. 86 people were evacuated from the danger zone.
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the wildfire season started about a month earlier than usual this year. Since the beginning of the year, fires have destroyed about 25,000 hectares of land — nearly double the area burned in the same period last year.