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EDF Publishes Study on Nuclear Modulation as Renewables Force Output Cuts

The utility warns that frequent reactor slowdowns tied to wind and solar peaks could cost it several billion euros.

Overview

  • EDF on February 16 released an internal analysis detailing industrial, organizational and social impacts from increased ramping across its 57 reactors.
  • The company reports the phenomenon has accelerated over the past two years with new wind and solar capacity while electricity demand remains weak.
  • Recent operations illustrate the pattern, with twelve reactors at low power on Saturday and ten on Sunday before the fleet returned to full output on Monday.
  • EDF says repeated reductions and stops to accommodate renewable surges increase wear on installations.
  • The publication shortly after the government's PPE3 decree intensified political contention over the pace of renewable expansion and nuclear production objectives.