French nuclear power production cut by 50% amidst current energy crisis

Paris/Moscow: As the energy crisis in Europe worsens due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, it is reported that France, one of the leading countries, is hit by a 50% reduction in its nuclear power generation. Nearly 56 nuclear plants in France are in shutdown due to security and maintenance reasons, causing a huge energy deficit. France has started to utilise energy from the European grid, which is likely to affect other smaller European countries, causing the energy crisis in Europe to deepen further.

While the global economy is recovering after a setback from the Coronavirus pandemic crisis, many countries’ fuel and energy demand has increased substantially. However, the gap in production and demand and the disruption of the supply chain have caused a severe energy crisis for the leading countries, including the United States, China, and Europe. China increased its fuel imports, while the US utilised its strategic reserve to mitigate the energy demand. However, the global energy crisis has not subsided yet, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has worsened the situation.

Natural gas, crude oil and coal have a major share in energy production in Europe. But France has augmented by shifting its focus on nuclear energy in the last decade, which caters to 70% of its energy needs produced by 56 nuclear plants. The balance energy requirements of France are fulfilled by energy produced by hydroelectric, natural fuel gas and renewable energy.

With surplus energy production, France has been a leading energy exporter in Europe, mainly to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Despite having the power infrastructure, the current energy crisis in France is a matter of concern that draws everyone’s attention. Currently, 28 nuclear plants have been shut down due to security and maintenance.

This has drastically affected energy production in France, which has forced them to draw energy from the European grid. Ironically not so long back, France was a leading exporter of electricity. The French companies have refused to reveal the source of energy, leading to speculations about the decision of the French government. There are questions raised by the media and analysts about the shutdown of 28 nuclear plants simultaneously.

Against the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, France’s stoppage of nuclear power has become significant. The Russia- Ukraine conflict has created massive roadblocks for energy supplies to Europe. In such a situation when alternate energy sources like the nuclear power plant should have operated at total capacity, the shutdown of these very plants in France aggravates the energy crisis in Europe.