Heatwave expected to remove 15% of France's nuclear capacity on Friday

Heatwave expected to remove 15% of France's nuclear capacity on Friday  Reuters

PARIS, Aug 13 - Europe's fifth heatwave this summer is expected to trim French nuclear power production by about 15% of the nuclear fleet's total capacity on Friday, with six reactors expected to be fully offline, data from operator EDF showed.

France generates about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power. This year, output has been disrupted by repeated heatwaves and droughts.

France on Wednesday recorded a more than 20 percent shortfall in nuclear power production capacity, a record deficit caused by environmentally related outages linked to drought, extreme heat and a jellyfish invasion.

In total, 13 of the 57 reactors in EDF's nuclear fleet were affected, resulting in a more than 20% shortfall in nuclear power production capacity, a record deficit.

In total, 13 of the 57 reactors in EDF's nuclear fleet were affected, resulting in a more than 20% shortfall in nuclear power production capacity, a record deficit.