Climate change threatens European nuclear energy production

Climate change is challenging European ambitions to expand nuclear energy as a tool for achieving net-zero emissions. Extreme heatwaves and severe droughts during the summer caused river levels to drop to historic lows, depriving nuclear power plants of the water necessary for reactor cooling.

The impact has been widespread across the continent. In Bulgaria, the nation's sole nuclear plant had to limit supply, while Romania was forced to suspend operations at both of its reactors despite efforts to maintain water flow. Hungary narrowly avoided a total shutdown of its only nuclear plant, which provides half of the country's electricity, but was forced to reduce production by three-quarters. France also saw a record number of reactors stop or reduce output due to water shortages or regulations regarding the discharge of heated water into ecosystems.

These disruptions have prompted governments and industry leaders to reconsider whether multi-billion euro plans for new nuclear infrastructure must be adjusted to account for the increasing unpredictability and threats posed by climate-related disasters.