France is slowly returning to nuclear power

Paris The warnings before the winter were drastic in France: Because of the shutdown of a number of nuclear power plants, there could be supply bottlenecks, it said. The government called on citizens and companies to save energy, the network operator RTE played through emergency scenarios. In the worst case, the electricity should be temporarily switched off in certain areas.

The government spoke of “extraordinary measures as a last resort”. In view of the clear crisis communication, many French feared that it would also be cold and dark in their apartments. In view of the problems of the nuclear power plants, Germany felt confirmed on the way to phasing out nuclear power.

But France has so far come through the winter much better than expected. Since December 19, the country has even resumed its traditional position as a net exporter of electricity. As data from RTE show, on a few days since the beginning of the year even Germany has imported more electricity from France than it exported there.

44 of the 56 reactors are operational