PARIS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - French utility EDF could curb electricity production at its Bugey nuclear plant from Sept. 15 due to the flow and temperature forecasts for the river Rhone which is used to cool its reactors, power grid operator RTE said on Thursday. “Production restrictions are likely to affect EDF’s nuclear generating fleet on Bugey production units starting Saturday Sept. 15,” RTE said. It did not give details. EDF discharges water it uses as coolant for reactors into surrounding rivers and canals. However, this is regulated by law to protect plant and animal life, forcing it to cut output during hot weather when water temperatures rise. (Reporting by Bate Felix Editing by Gus Trompiz)
Flow and temperature forecasts for the river Rhone could force French utility EDF to limit electricity production by its Bugey nuclear plant, according to grid operator RTE. The forecast is based on a model that predicts how much power will be needed in each hour of peak demand at noon local time (0900 GMT) when temperatures are expected to reach between 20 degrees