Heatwave in Europe traditionally affects nuclear power plants, but no problems in Czechia so far

In summer 2025, Europe was hit by an exceptionally severe heatwave, which had serious impacts on the operation of nuclear power plants, particularly in France and Switzerland.High temperatures caused rivers to overheat, limiting reactor cooling options and raising concerns over the environmental burden on watercourses.

In France, Unit 1 of the Golfech nuclear power plant was shut down on 29 June 2025 because the temperature of the Garonne River exceeded the 28 °C limit set for safe cooling operation.The second unit was already offline for maintenance.

Similar problems were reported at Switzerland's Beznau plant, where Axpo reduced the output of both reactors to 50 % due to the high temperature of the Aare River in order to protect its ecosystem. Similarly, EDF reduced output at the Tricastin nuclear power plant, while in Belgium the operating level of the Doel nuclear facility was lowered to minimise the risk of thermal stress on the aquatic ecosystem.