France’s minister for energy transition said Friday that French electricity giant EDF has committed to restart all its nuclear reactors by this winter to help the country through the broad energy crisis aggravated by the war in Ukraine, reports FRANCE 24.
Agnès Pannier-Runacher said the government is taking steps to “avoid restrictive measures” over energy use in the peak winter cold season, following a special government meeting over energy issues.
France relies on nuclear energy for about 67% of its electricity – more than any other country – and on gas for about 7%.
At the moment, 32 of France's 56 nuclear reactors, all operated by EDF, are shut down for usual maintenance and, in some cases, to repair corrosion problems.
“There’s a schedule that provides that starting from October, each week, a new [nuclear] plant is operational again,” Pannier-Runacher said.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne had warned that a worst-case scenario this winter could lead to rolling two-hour power cuts in French homes.