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Jellyfish disrupt operation of three reactors at French nuclear plant Gravelines
A large swarm of jellyfish has led to the shutdown of three reactors at the Gravelines nuclear power plant near the Belgian border.
A massive influx of jellyfish has shut down three reactors at the nuclear power plant in Gravelines, France, near the Belgian border. This was reported by the electricity company Électricité de France (EDF).
The shutdown is a precautionary measure to prevent the jellyfish from entering the plant's cooling systems. EDF aims to ensure the operation and safety of the facility.
The Gravelines nuclear power plant is the largest in Western Europe. A similar jellyfish problem occurred in the past; a year ago, reactors were also taken offline for the same reason.
The national energy operator EDF confirmed on its website Tuesday that the reactors have been taken offline until further notice. No indications have been given regarding when they might become operational again.
The issue of jellyfish in the seawater pumping stations is not new for EDF. Investigating the causes of the massive influx of jellyfish is crucial for future operational plans.
The impact of the shutdown on energy supply in the region is still unclear, but EDF is closely monitoring the situation.