France is expected to produce less nuclear power this year than ever before. Only 29 of France's 56 nuclear power plants are currently operational. This has far-reaching economic consequences for the French energy company EDF.
France will produce even less nuclear power this year than previously assumed. Because of corrosion damage and strikes by workers, four nuclear reactors could go back on line later than planned, said the energy company EDF. This reduces annual production to 275 to 285 terawatt hours.
The original forecast was 330 to 360 terawatt hours. EDF has corrected them downwards several times. The energy company has never produced so little nuclear power as in the current year. Only 29 out of 56 nuclear reactors are currently running. The rest are switched off due to maintenance work or technical problems. The restart of five reactors in October had already been postponed due to strikes. Germany has promised to supply France with electricity for this winter and in return will receive gas from France.
The French network operator RTE has already warned of possible power shortages during the main consumption times for the winter. The group did not comment on the possible financial impact of the reduced production. EDF is financially struggling. The company's debt could rise to 60 billion euros by the end of the year.
In view of the high energy prices, the government had obliged EDF to sell more electricity below the market price than usual in order to protect consumers from high prices. The group is currently 84 percent state-owned and is to be completely nationalized again. From mid-November, a new boss, Luc Rémont, will lead the company out of the crisis.
