Four French nuclear reactors would remain closed due to stress corrosion cracking. These are Cattenom 1, 3 and 4 and Penly 1. Only 24 of the 56 nuclear power plants are currently in operation.
The French energy company EDF announced on Thursday that the reactors will not be allowed to go back online until next year between 1 November and 23 January. Stress corrosion cracking causing minute cracks was observed at four locations near welds on refrigeration circuit pipes.
However, the cooling systems are critical in the event of an accident. Because the nuclear plants cool with river water, many nuclear plants in France recently had to be shut down or taken off the grid due to the persistent heat and drought.
Only 24 of the 56 reactors are currently in operation. 32 are shut down – either for routine maintenance or to assess corrosion risks. The problems with the French nuclear power plants are already having a huge impact on the German market and electricity prices (see video above).
Earlier this year, President Emmanuel Macron called for the construction of up to 14 new nuclear power plants to help the country move away from fossil fuels. France covers about 70 percent of its electricity from nuclear power.
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.
