Heatwave Expected to Limit 15% of France’s Nuclear Power Fleet Capacity
Impact of Heatwave on French Nuclear Power Production
Current Situation and Expected Curtailments
PARIS, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Europe's fifth heatwave this summer is expected to limit French nuclear power production by about 15% of the nuclear fleet's total capacity on Friday, with six reactors expected to be fully offline, data from operator EDF showed.
Temperatures in Europe have risen to unprecedented levels after successive heatwaves this summer, causing water shortages, wildfires, and some deaths.
Total nuclear curtailments are expected to reach 9.4 gigawatts at the peak on Friday across nine reactors, EDF data showed.
Market Effects of Reduced Nuclear Output
Power Prices and Demand Trends
The low nuclear production paired with limited wind output lifted power prices, with the French day-ahead contract for Friday the highest since June 23, the previous peak this summer, up 4.4% at €154.50 ($178.08) per megawatt hour at 0756 GMT, LSEG data showed.
Power prices are traditionally much lower in August as it is a major holiday month in France, limiting power demand.
Cross-Border Energy Impacts
The nuclear shortfall also ripples across borders, forcing countries like Britain and Germany to turn on coal and gas plants to replace reduced exported nuclear power.
Environmental and Operational Challenges
Regulatory Constraints
France relies on nuclear power for about 70% of its annual electricity production. French rules limit how much heat plants can discharge into rivers for environmental protection, forcing reactors to cut output when water temperatures rise during heatwaves.
Weather Forecast and Regional Effects
Thursday is expected to be the peak of the current heatwave, with temperatures between 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and 40 C in most regions of the country, Meteo-France said.
Temperatures are expected to stay warm overnight, with some cooler air coming from the west and bringing relief on Friday to areas along the Atlantic and English Channel first, while the rest of the country remains warm, Meteo-France said.
Recent Trends and Recovery Efforts
Nuclear Production and Maintenance
Despite the continued outages, nuclear power production in France increased in June and July compared to the previous year as EDF has reworked its nuclear fleet maintenance schedule.
Return of Gravelines Plant
The jellyfish-hit nuclear reactors at the Gravelines plant in the north of the country have also returned to service.
Exchange Rate Information
($1 = 0.8676 euros)
(Reporting by Forrest Crellin; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
