France’s Cruas nuclear power plant is operating at reduced capacity due to the ongoing heatwave and nearby wildfires. The Rhône river, crucial for cooling the plant, has reached historically low levels and high temperatures, nearing 43°C. This limits the plant’s ability to safely cool its reactors, forcing it to curtail output to 50% capacity. French energy provider EDF stated the reduction is a precautionary measure to comply with safety regulations. The heatwave and resulting drought are exacerbating the situation, posing risks to other nuclear plants reliant on river water for cooling. This reduction in nuclear output further strains France’s energy supply, already impacted by the war in Ukraine and ongoing energy crisis.