Heatwave: EDF plans to reduce production at several nuclear power plants starting Tuesday

EDF warned on Friday that several nuclear power plants could be forced to reduce their activity as early as June 16 due to the high temperatures expected across much of the country. The group is particularly monitoring the Saint-Alban plant in Isère, whose operation depends directly on the temperature of the Rhône River water used to cool the reactors.

France is bracing for another heatwave, even before the official start of summer. According to Météo-France, temperatures could exceed 35°C in several regions starting this weekend. This rise in temperature is impacting waterways, whose temperature is a crucial factor for the operation of nuclear power plants.

Climate change is putting increasing pressure on the nuclear power plant fleet.

French nuclear power plants are subject to strict environmental regulations. When river water becomes too warm, EDF sometimes has to reduce reactor power to avoid releasing water back into the environment, which could further disrupt ecosystems. The Rhône River is particularly affected, as several nuclear facilities are located along its course.

At this stage, EDF does not anticipate a major impact on the country's electricity supply. The group is expected to update its forecasts on Monday before confirming or denying any potential restrictions. While the consequences remain limited at the national level for now, this phenomenon is likely to recur. EDF estimates that these environmental constraints are currently reducing its annual production by approximately 0,3%, but this loss could increase nearly fivefold by 2035 due to climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events.