Extreme Heat Forces Nuclear Plant Shutdowns in France and Switzerland
Extreme Heat Forces Nuclear Plant Shutdowns in France and Switzerland
A severe heatwave gripping Europe has led to the shutdown or reduced operation of several nuclear power plants in France and Switzerland in recent days. The extreme temperatures are preventing the facilities from effectively using river water for cooling, raising concerns about both plant efficiency and local biodiversity.
Nuclear power plants rely on nearby rivers or seas for cooling, releasing the water back at a higher temperature. However, the current heatwave means the source water is already exceptionally warm, hindering cooling processes and posing a risk of overheating local ecosystems if discharged at even higher temperatures.
In Switzerland, Axpo, operator of the Beznau nuclear power plant, announced the shutdown of one reactor on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with a second operating at 50% capacity since Sunday. This action was taken as the River Aare, which supplies cooling water to Beznau, reached temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius.
Similarly, on Monday, June 30, 2025, French electricity company EDF shut down the Golfech nuclear power plant in southern France amid extreme heat warnings. Output has also been curtailed at other sites, including the Blayais and Bugey nuclear power plants, which draw water from the Gironde and Rhône rivers respectively.
Despite the curtailment of nuclear power production, French grid operator RTE has assured the public that the impact on France’s energy supply remains limited. The country continues to produce more electricity than it consumes, even with increased demand for air conditioning. However, experts warn that peaks in energy consumption during heatwaves are likely to become more frequent as global temperatures continue to rise.
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