France’s nuclear reactors are running hot and still keeping the lights on

Much of western Europe has endured long stretches of hot weather and heatwaves this summer. France recently experienced the hottest day in its recorded history and placed 54 of its 96 departments under the highest heat alert. In response, the state-owned utility, EDF, began cutting output at several nuclear plants along the country’s rivers. Some reactors ran at reduced power while others shut down temporarily. For some, the episode appeared to confirm that nuclear power, for all its…