Heat: EDF has very slightly lowered the power of a reactor, an unusual measure in the spring

EDF has very slightly lowered production on one of the nuclear reactors at its Blayais power plant (Gironde) due to the heat wave, an unusual measure in the spring, we learned from the company on Wednesday.

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The power of one of the four 900 MW reactors was reduced by 100 MW "

" in the afternoon of Monday May 9, a company spokeswoman told AFP.

This in order to "

" concerning the temperature of the waterways.

Nuclear reactors pump water into rivers or seas to cool them, and discharge heated water, discharges subject to temperature limits to preserve aquatic fauna and flora.

The high temperature forecasts in question

EDF had warned earlier this week that the measure, unusual for the season, could be taken due to the heat.

“

”, warned the electricity producer. in a message on its market-facing site.

EDF sometimes reduces the power of its reactors - or even shuts them down - to preserve the temperature of the waterways.

However, these measures are usually taken during summer heat waves.

A message taken up by Jean-Luc Mélenchon

EDF's message was taken up by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who advocates an exit from nuclear power.

“

“, wrote on Twitter the candidate of insubordinate France, in reference to the criticisms against wind and solar energies, which are intermittent because dependent on the wind and the sun.

EDF has however put the scope of these problems into perspective.

In France, production losses due to high river temperatures have represented 0.3% of annual nuclear production since 2000, according to the group.