Is this a new crisis for the French nuclear fleet? A few days ago, new cracks were discovered in two reactors, in Penly (Seine-Maritime) and Cattenom (Moselle), which will force EDF to re-inspect part of its fleet.
Nuclear fleet: 19 of 56 reactors closed
To do this, EDF is also taking advantage of the increase in temperatures in France to carry out maintenance work that will last for a few weeks or to change the uranium as in Paluel (Seine-Maritime), Blayais (Gironde) or Gravelines (North ) that will be stopped until May.
In total, 19 of the 56 reactors of the energy company are closed this Monday and, at the moment, the nuclear park works only at 54% of its capacity. A low level that contrasts with the ambitions of the general director of EDF, Luc Rémont, who has made increasing the production of the plants his number one priority. Last week already 18 reactors were closed.
Gas stocks are dwindling but are expected to fill up in April
As for the hydraulic dams, they are 50% full – compared to 51% last week – a level slightly below the seasonal average, although EDF tries to limit their use to save water resources. After long weeks without rain, the current rainfall should allow a return to a higher filling rate while the threat of a new drought is already looming for next summer.
Meanwhile, gas stocks continued to fall slowly, from 40% on Monday March 6 to 34% on Monday. Engie will start filling them again from next month.
Source: BFM TV
