RTE Keeps 7 EDF Reactors Online Through May 23 as Solar Surge Deepens Power Glut
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 19
RTE Keeps 7 EDF Reactors Online Through May 23 as Solar Surge Deepens Power Glut
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 19
Seven EDF nuclear plants have been kept running at minimum output from May 16 to May 23 after French grid operator RTE asked for the extra capacity.
Strong solar generation has swollen supply and pushed French electricity prices deeply lower, but RTE said the reactors are still needed to maintain grid stability.
The stability concern is concentrated in southwestern France, where network constraints limit how flexibly power can be moved across the system.
The move shows how surging renewable output can coincide with keeping conventional generation online when transmission bottlenecks, rather than overall supply, drive grid operations.
Why must France run nuclear plants during a solar-driven power surplus, causing prices to plummet?
With solar and nuclear expanding, is France's grid prepared for a future of constant power surpluses?