Why might EDF reduce nuclear output at the Saint-Alban site next week?

EDF may curb nuclear output at the Saint-Alban site from June 15 for two days because higher Rhône River temperatures—driven by an approaching heat wave—could prevent reactors from using river water for cooling while meeting environmental requirements.

What weather conditions are expected to trigger this nuclear output restriction in France?

A high-pressure system expanding across western Europe is forecast to bring a heat wave starting Friday, with temperatures approaching 30°C near the Mediterranean and reaching around 35°C in the southwest by Saturday; this will fuel unusually sunny conditions and rapidly rising river temperatures, prompting EDF’s potential output restrictions.

EDF Warns of French Nuclear Outages as Rhone River Heats Up

Jun 11, 2026

EDF may restrict nuclear output at Saint-Alban due to high Rhone River temperatures, the first such summer measure. This risk tightens European power supplies, contributing to a 15% rise in French month-ahead electricity prices.

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