Kathrine Frich
Sometimes it is ironic how nature play a part in our lives.
Sometimes it is ironic how nature play a part in our lives.
A Second Shutdown in 30 Days
A jellyfish invasion has again caused major disruptions at one of France’s largest nuclear power plants.
This is the second time this has happened in the last 30 days.
Paluel’s Power Cut in Half
Jellyfish have entered the filters of the pumping station at the Paluel nuclear power plant, national energy company EDF said.
The incident has reduced the plant’s output in Normandy by 2.4 gigawatts and teams are working to restore full operation.
Filters Clogged by Jellyfish
The current incident is causing Paluel’s 5.2 gigawatts of production capacity to be halved.
As a protective measure one of the four reactors were completely shut down and another reduced.
Emergency Measures at Night
Nuclear power accounts for about 70% of France’s energy consumption, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA).
Paluel is one of the largest nuclear power plants in France, with each of its four units generating more than 1,300 megawatts.
A Repeat of August’s Gravelines Shutdown
EDF said in a statement that it took the necessary measures at 9:00 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT) after the “arrival of jellyfish” in the filters of the non-nuclear part of the plant.
The company added that its teams were “carrying out the necessary diagnostics and interventions” to restore both reactors to full operation.
