France, lower output

producer of atomic energy, which usually exports cheap power during the winter,
may be forced to import this year after cutting its output forecast a third
time. Electricite de France’s (EDF) nuclear failures are sending ripples
through European energy markets, threatening to undermine the continent’s plan
to turn its back on Russian gas. Europe’s biggest producer of atomic energy,
which usually exports cheap power during the winter, may be forced to import
this year after cutting its output forecast a third time. A fleet hobbled by
faults is not just a problem for France but for countries such as neighboring
Germany, which may have to burn more gas to keep the lights on despite pledging
to cut its reliance on Moscow. About half of EDF’s 56 reactors are currently
halted, and EDF has estimated that output this year will be the lowest in more
than 30 years. While many plants are offline for regular maintenance or
refueling, a dozen are idled for checks and repairs following the discovery of
stress-corrosion issues at units in late 2021. Cracks have been confirmed in
key piping systems at four reactors. EDF has estimated the financial cost of
the problems at about €18.5bn euros ($19.8bn) this year, since it has to buy
back the production shortfall on the market with prices near record-highs.



 



Irish Examiner 27th
May 2022



https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40882523.html