France temporarily lifted environmental regulations to allow its five nuclear power stations to continue operating despite a worsening energy crisis.
The request was approved by the country’s nuclear regulator.
French regulations require that energy giant EDF reduce or even stop nuclear output when river temperatures reach certain levels.
This is to ensure that the water used for cooling the plants doesn’t cause harm to the environment when it is returned to the waterways.
Electricite de France SA must reduce, or even stop, output when river temperatures exceed certain thresholds. This is to ensure that water used to cool plants doesn’t cause harm to the environment when it is returned to the waterways.
Maxar Technologies LLC says that temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius are forecast to hit France, Germany, and the UK this week. The Rhine River, Europe’s largest river for commodity trading and water levels are so low that it will soon close.
The most susceptible to environmental limitations are the Golfech, Blayais, Bugey, Tricastin and Saint-Alban atomic power plants. The flow of the Meuse river below a certain threshold must also be stopped at the Chooz nuclear power plant.
The waiver will remain in effect until September 11.
As Europe braces for another heat wave, the European power market will be able to take some relief.
Extended heatwaves have disrupted rivers that are used to transport fuel and coal power plants. This has exacerbated the crisis caused by Putin’s gas cut.
