France’s Nuclear Power Generation Crisis Deepens
- Nuclear power in France accounted for 69.5% of total generation in 2021
- There has been a decline in nuclear electricity generation in France during Jan-Apr 2022 due to temporary shutdown of some nuclear reactors due to planned or emergency maintenance
- Electricity generation from nuclear expected to decline by around 16.8-22.3% in 2022 from previous year
Decline in nuclear power generation in France
As per GlobalData’s Power database, nuclear power in France is the largest power source both in terms of installed capacity and electricity generation. Nuclear power accounted for 69.5% of the total electricity generation in France in 2021. There has been a declining trend in nuclear power generation during 2018-2020 and post-pandemic nuclear power generation in the country rebounded in 2021. However, there is a decline in nuclear power generation in France in the first four months of the year. Nuclear power generation during Jan-Apr 2022 was 113.4 TWh, as compared to 126.4 TWh during the same period last year, a decline of 10.3%. Lower electricity generation in France is a result of a temporary shutdown of some nuclear reactors due to planned or emergency maintenance.
France’s EDF has lowered the nuclear generation outlook to 280-300 TWh for 2022 due to the detection of indications of stress corrosion in some of its reactors. France had 56 operational nuclear reactors in 2021 which is the second-highest number of reactors in the world, only behind the US. Of the 56 reactors, 12 reactors are temporarily shutdown for checks and repairs following the discovery of stress corrosion issues, some other reactors are halted for regular maintenance or re-fueling purposes.
Largest exporter of electricity in Europe to turn into a net importer this year
Nuclear power woes in France had created uncertainty in European energy sector which is already reeling under Ukraine crisis. France is the largest exporter of electricity, mainly in Western Europe and is the backbone of the integrated European power system. The reduction in nuclear power generation by France this year is another big blow to the European energy sector which is already reeling due to the Russia – Ukraine war.
Low nuclear power output in France will continue to further impact the electricity prices in the region and has turned the largest exporter of electricity in Europe into net importer in Q1 2022.
Related Companies
China
China
France
France
United Kingdom
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Germany
Still looking?
Don’t wait - discover a universe of connected data & insights with your next search. Browse over 28M data points across 22 industries.
Explorer
Access more premium companies when you subscribe to Explorer
Get in touch about GlobalData Company reports
Contact the team or request a demo to find out how our data can drive your business forward