Europe's nuclear sector feels drought impact

The full threat of the extreme heat and drought conditions affecting much of Europe this summer has been expressed in the starkest terms after it was revealed that at least 15 nuclear reactors across the continent have had to be temporarily shut down or operate at reduced output.

France, which is one of Europe's most nuclear-dependent countries, has suffered from some of the worst weather conditions and has been legally obliged to take measures to stop discharged cooling water from pushing up river temperatures.

In the United Kingdom, a wildfire came within about 6 kilometers of the Sizewell B nuclear power station and a record-breaking drought affecting Europe's second-longest multi-country arterial river, the Danube, has impacted plants in Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.

Last week the national water authority recorded a record-low reading for the Danube in Hungary's capital Budapest, at 23 centimeters, far below the previous record of 33 centimeters, set in 2018.

The Nuclear Engineering International website reports that power has started to be rationed, with decorative lighting turned off at major landmarks in the city, limitations on the times of day when heavy rail transport can operate, and citizens being encouraged to limit the use of high-demand household appliances at certain times.

In Germany, Reuters reported that water levels are so low in some commercial shipping channels that ships are having to lighten their loads to avoid running aground, driving up costs and causing inconvenience to supplies, with some loads being forced off the water altogether.

"Shipments by barge are severely restricted, and vessels are operating with significantly reduced cargo loads," said a representative for Cologne-based chemical company Lanxess. "As some loading and unloading points can no longer be reached, we are switching to rail and road transport wherever possible."

As well as posing contemporary challenges, low water levels have also been throwing up some unlikely and in some cases unwanted reminders of Europe's past.

Richard Allan, a climate science professor at the University of Reading in England, told CNN that steps to ensure a rapid reduction in greenhouse gases were the only meaningful way forward "rather than short-term firefighting".

"As the climate continues to warm," he continued, "the hydrological extremes we are now experiencing will only be the tip of the iceberg. Managing water resources will become progressively more challenging".

julian@mail.chinadailyuk.com