French Nuclear Plants at Risk as Rivers Overheat

Unusually warm rivers across France are threatening electricity production at several nuclear power stations. The plants rely on river water for cooling, but high temperatures and low rainfall have pushed water levels down and temperatures up. From June through mid-July, much of western and central Europe experienced above-average heat and below-average rainfall. Persistent high pressure brought prolonged sunshine, reduced rain, and increased evaporation. These conditions caused river levels to drop and water temperatures to rise. French environmental regulations require nuclear operators to limit the amount of hot water discharged back into rivers. When river water gets too warm, plants may have to reduce electricity output to comply with these rules. This could strain France's power supply during a period of high demand.