Heatwave forces nuclear power producers to cut output

The heatwave sweeping Europe is forcing nuclear power producers to cut output. In eastern Europe, a third of generating capacity had to be taken offline — 2 GW during the day of 30 July — in Hungary and Romania. Falling river flows are reducing cooling capacity, obliging operators to scale back generation. The Danube's flow in Romania is 65% below normal. In France, EDF has had to cut output by 6%, with the Chooz, Saint-Alban and Golfech plants all reducing production. Because of thermal inertia, river water temperatures will not fall for around another seven days, and only if no fresh heatwave arrives.