Why did EDF resort to oil-fired power generation in France during this heat wave?

EDF turned to oil-fired power because the prolonged heat wave raised river temperatures, limiting its ability to cool nuclear reactors—particularly along the Rhône, Garonne, and Meuse rivers—resulting in three reactors (3.7 GW total) being fully offline and reduced output at eight others, creating a supply gap that required activation of expensive, carbon-intensive oil-fired plants.

How unusual is the use of oil-fired power for electricity generation in France during summer, and what does the data show?

Oil-fired power generation reaching about 1 gigawatt between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday was highly unusual for summer: it matched the highest level since March and had only occurred on 11 days in the past year—all previously during winter months, when demand spikes due to cold weather, not heat-induced nuclear constraints.

EDF Turns to Oil-Fired Power in France as Heat Curtails Nuclear

Jul 15, 2026

France ramped up oil-fired power generation amid heat-induced nuclear disruptions, reaching highest levels since March. Intraday electricity prices spiked to €200/MWh as river temperatures limited reactor cooling capacity.

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