French Nuclear Slowdown: Impacts and Forecasts

French nuclear power is off to a slower start than expected, impacting energy production and exports.

Share:

énergie nucléaire Français

French nuclear generation got off to a slower-than-expected start in November. With an average of 38 GW, although up 8 GW on the previous year, it remains 5 GW below forecasts. This situation is the result of several technical contingencies affecting EDF’s fleet of 56 reactors. Despite this, nuclear generation peaked on November 30 at 43.6 GW, the highest in nine months, coinciding with an increase in demand during the cold snap.

Analyst analysis and forecasts

Analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights revised their December forecast downwards, from 46.2 GW to 43.9 GW. This revision reflects an estimated total French nuclear output of 320 TWh for 2023, an increase of almost 15% on last year’s 30-year low. This dynamic is notably influenced by the increase in daily load factors at the end of November.

Climate Impact and Reactor Availability

RTE’s peak demand forecast is around 75 GW for December 4, with a downward trend towards 68 GW as temperatures warm up. Four reactors are scheduled to restart by December 6, with a further four planned before the Christmas vacations. However, some reactors, such as Nogent-2 and Golfech-1, experienced restart delays, affecting overall availability. Reactor availability remains a major challenge for the stability of the French energy grid.

Record exports and market dynamics

Despite these challenges, France’s net electricity exports reached their highest level for a month of November since 2015, thanks in particular to exceptionally wet and windy weather conditions. The UK was the main beneficiary of these exports, followed by Belgium and Germany. However, December flows are highly dependent on hourly demand and supply fundamentals. Interconnections with Italy and Great Britain were disrupted, affecting cross-border trade.

The current dynamics of the nuclear power market in France underline the importance of external factors such as weather conditions and technical contingencies. With continuous adjustments in forecasts and production, the French nuclear industry navigates a complex environment, where flexibility and adaptation are essential to meet the changing energy needs of the country and its European partners.

  • Populaires ​
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
Enbridge Gas Ohio challenges tariff ruling cutting its revenues by $30mn
Iberdrola increases supplementary dividend by 16.5% to €0.409 per share
Natural hydrogen: France on the verge of redefining its national and European energy strategy
Iberdrola launches metocean studies for Australian offshore wind farm
United States selects Westinghouse and Radiant to test their nuclear microreactors
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova and Fortum launch major nuclear project in Scandinavia
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels extracts 638,700 pounds of uranium at Pinyon Plain mine
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS