France Shuts Down Nuclear Power Plant Amid Heatwave

French state-owned utility company Électricité de France (EDF) has temporarily shut down the Golfech nuclear power station in southern France due to an ongoing extreme heatwave affecting the region.

The shutdown, which took place late on Sunday, was initiated to prevent a rise in the temperature of the Garonne River, the source of cooling water for the plant. EDF officials stated that high summer temperatures were driving river water levels to potentially exceed safety limits.

Weather forecasts indicated that the water temperature of the Garonne River could reach 28°C (82.4°F) on Monday, a level that would compromise the plant's ability to safely manage its cooling systems without causing environmental harm.

EDF has not yet disclosed how long the Golfech plant will remain offline.

The shutdown comes as France battles a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to as high as 42°C (107.6°F) in some areas. Meteorological authorities expect the extreme conditions to persist until midweek.