URGENT UPDATE: Four reactors at France’s Gravelines Nuclear Plant are facing a delayed restart due to a massive jellyfish swarm that invaded the cooling systems. Initially set to return to operation today, the reactors will now come online throughout the week, according to EDF data.
The first reactor, Unit 6, is now expected to restart on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, with one reactor resuming service each day until all four are operational by Friday. The plant, one of the largest in France, generates a total of 5.4 gigawatts of power from its six units, each producing 900 megawatts.
The disruption occurred when a “massive and unpredictable” swarm of English Barrel jellyfish blocked the cooling systems, forcing EDF to take the reactors offline. The jellyfish, which can grow up to 90 centimeters across, were drawn into the canal connected to the North Sea by the current and became trapped in the plant’s filters.
The situation is compounded by a current heatwave affecting France, which poses additional challenges for nuclear cooling systems. As of midday today, the first reactor has not yet restarted, heightening concerns over energy supply during peak demand.
Citizen scientist Aäron Fabrice de Kisangani explained that the jellyfish, a non-stinging species, have been staying longer in the North Sea due to milder autumns and winters. He noted that higher sea temperatures this year could lead to larger blooms, increasing the risk for similar incidents in the future.
This is not the first time jellyfish have disrupted nuclear operations. The Gravelines plant experienced a similar incident in 1993, and Scotland’s Torness faced jellyfish problems in 2011.
As the situation develops, energy officials and consumers alike will be watching closely for updates on the plant’s operational status. The implications of this delay extend beyond immediate power generation, as it raises concerns about the resilience of energy infrastructure in the face of climate change and ecological shifts.
Stay tuned for further updates as EDF works to resolve this urgent issue and restore full operations at the Gravelines Nuclear Plant.
