While the unions in Austria are still negotiating, their French comrades are already fighting loudly in the streets for higher wages. In addition to filling stations, where fuel is slowly becoming scarce, public spaces such as schools and transport are now also being affected. Grid operators are now warning that ongoing strikes at French nuclear power plants could jeopardize power supplies in the winter.
Current protests by workers at nuclear power plants have resulted in the start-up of some reactors being delayed by two to three weeks, network operator RTE warned in Paris on Tuesday. At the beginning of November, production is expected to be lower than previously assumed.
France’s nuclear reactors currently produce about 30 gigawatts, which is eight gigawatts less than the previous historic low, RTE said. The total capacity of the French nuclear park is around 61 gigawatts. Workers at several nuclear power plants are currently on strike to support their demands for wage increases.
President Emmanuel Macron said last week that 30 of the total of 56 reactors are currently online. The operator EDF has committed to have 45 reactors up and running again by January.
Germany helps with power shortages
Due to ongoing problems with nuclear power plants, which had to be shut down due to maintenance or corrosion damage, Germany will supply additional electricity to France this winter in exchange for gas from the neighboring country.
The grid operator expects a few critical moments for the coming winter. These can occur during the main consumption moments in the morning or between 6 pm and 8 pm. “The risk of a power outage can be avoided if power consumption is reduced by one to five producers and in extreme cases by up to 15 percent,” emphasizes RTE.
“Avoid many risks if we save electricity”
With the consumer in mind, RTE boss Xavier Piechaczyk said: “We can eliminate a lot of risks if we make serious savings on electricity.” This means that France can easily get through a particularly cold winter without any problems.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
