The operator of the electricity transmission network in France, however, considers “very low” to “moderate” the risk for the security of electricity supply in the coming weeks.
Because of the strike movement initiated by the CGT, the disruption of the maintenance and work schedule of the nuclear power plants endangers the electricity supply of France this winter, RTE alert. “The social movements on the nuclear fleet have led to shutdown extensions generally of two to three weeks on the reactors whose return to service was imminent, writes the network manager in his winter outlook update. An extension of the social movement would have significant consequences on the heart of winter. »
The strike notably affects the Gravelines plant (North), the largest in France, whose employees voted Monday, during a general meeting, to continue the walkout. On this day of inter-professional strike, the participation of EDF employees in the strike amounted to 21%, down from previous days of action. Initial bilateral meetings between management and unions (CGT, FO and CFDT) will begin on Wednesday after the signing of the branch wage agreement.
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The conflict would cost up to 120 million euros per day, according to a source familiar with the matter. RTE expects only 45 gigawatts of nuclear capacity in operation at the height of winter. This is 5 gigawatts less than last year, which was already a tense cold season. Were it not for the strike, the outlook for nuclear power generation would brighten, added RTE. About ten reactors are currently shut down to check for a generic problem of stress corrosion. This work has been completed at four sites. Enough to “derisk” part of RTE’s winter scenario, especially since the network operator has observed a drop in electricity consumption of around 3% to 4% (corrected for weather effects) in recent weeks.
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