Nuclear Reactor at Golfech Plant Restarted After Heatwave Shutdown

One of the two reactors at the Golfech nuclear power plant in Tarn-et-Garonne has been restarted after a 17-day shutdown caused by this summer's heatwave. The reactor, which was taken offline on 11 August, was reconnected to the grid on 28 August following successful safety inspections. The shutdown was necessary because high river temperatures and low water flow in the Garonne reduced the plant's ability to cool the reactor safely, in line with environmental regulations. France's nuclear fleet supplies about 70% of the country's electricity, and any prolonged outage affects the national grid balance. EDF, the state-owned utility that operates Golfech, confirmed that the restart followed standard procedures and that the reactor is now running at full capacity. The incident highlights a growing challenge for France's nuclear industry: more frequent and intense heatwaves, driven by climate change, are forcing temporary shutdowns or output reductions. For consumers, the restart helps stabilize electricity supply and prices, especially as winter demand approaches. However, the episode has renewed debate about the resilience of nuclear power in a warming world.