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Technology Explainer: Europe’s heatwaves are testing nuclear plants. What does it mean for nuclear energy in a warming climate?
Recent European heatwaves have forced nuclear plants in France, Romania, and Hungary to reduce output or shut down due to high river temperatures and low water levels, which trigger environmental protections for aquatic ecosystems. While these disruptions are environmental operating constraints rather than safety failures, they highlight the need for climate-resilient design. Adaptation options include transitioning to indirect or dry cooling systems, utilizing deeper seawater for coastal plants, and deploying advanced reactors or small modular reactors that require less water. The document emphasizes that these challenges are shared by other thermal power plants and that future energy planning must incorporate projected climate conditions into siting and design.
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Document type: Guide