- Title: EDF to restart all its nuclear reactors this winter - minister
- Date: 2nd September 2022
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (SEPTEMBER 2, 2022) (AGENCY POOL) (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH ENERGY MINISTER, AGNES PANNIER-RUNACHER, SAYING: "Thirty-two reactors are at a halt, including some because of corrosion under restrictions, and others for usual maintenance. EDF has committed to restart all reactors by this winter. We are following the situation very closely, with weekly briefings, and we are particularly careful that this timeline is fulfilled."
- Embargoed: 16th September 2022 14:55
- Keywords: EDF Pannier-Runacher energy gas stocks nuclear reactors winter
- Location: VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FRANCE
- City: VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Europe,Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA002237902092022RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: French state-owned utility EDF will restart all its nuclear reactors, more than half of which are now closed for maintenance or technical issues, this winter, France's Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Friday (September 2).
Pannier-Runacher spoke after President Emmanuel Macron held a special cabinet meeting to address the country's energy supply situation, coordinate efforts to reduce consumption, and prepare contingency plans in case the country faces a shortage.
"EDF has committed to restart all its reactors for this winter," Pannier-Runacher told a news conference.
She said that currently 32 of EDF's 56 reactors are halted for maintenance or technical problems.
Pannier-Runacher said that a maximum number of reactors are now closed for maintenance in order to make sure that they will be ready and available during peak demand periods this winter.
French power prices have soared to historic highs as the market fears that France, once Europe's top power exporter, may not produce enough nuclear energy this winter to help European neighbors seeking alternatives to Russian gas, and may even have to ration electricity to meet its own needs.
Pannier-Runacher also said that French gas storage sites are currently 92% filled and said that while Russian gas deliveries are currently at their lowest point, they have not completely stopped.
"The energy situation is serious, but we have activated all levers to get through the winter," she said.
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