Scorching temperatures across Europe coupled with prolonged dry weather has reduced French nuclear power generation by around 5.2 gigawatts (GW) or 8%, French power grid operator RTE’s data showed on Thursday.
Electricity output was curtailed at six reactors by 0840 GMT on Thursday, while two other reactors were offline, data showed. High water temperatures and sluggish flows limit the ability to use river water to cool reactors.
In Germany, PreussenElektra, the nuclear unit of utility E.ON, said it would take its Grohnde reactor offline on Friday due to high temperatures in the Weser river.
Interesting impact of the recent heat wave, right when electrical demand is on the rise.
Previously: Records Tumble as Europe Swelters in Heatwave and the Forecast Isn't Any Better
(Score: 3, Informative) by driverless on Sunday July 28 2019, @03:51AM
It won't help as much as you think. Power lines are also derated in hot weather, so even if you could generate the power from unicorns and mung beans you couldn't get it to its destination. Heat affects every part of the grid, not just one specific type of generation facility.