In brief
For the second time this month, a swarm of jellyfish has caused disruptions at Paluel Nuclear Plant in Normandy, leading to a reduction of 2.4 gigawatts in energy output. This incident underscores an ongoing challenge in managing aquatic life in relation to nuclear energy generation, as French energy provider EDF works to restore operations.
A swarm of jellyfish has caused major disruption at one of France's largest nuclear power plants, for the second time in a month.
The jellyfish entered the filters of the pumping station at the Paluel nuclear plant, France's national energy firm EDF said.
The incident reduced output at the plant in Normandy by 2.4 gigawatts, and crews are working to restore it to full operation.
In August, generation at another major nuclear site in France was also disrupted by jellyfish, after a massive and unpredictable swarm forced the Gravelines plant to temporarily cease operations.
The hit represents a near halving of Paluel's 5.2 gigawatt output, after one of its four reactors was shut down and a second was reduced as a protective measure.
Nuclear makes up about 70% of France's energy consumption, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA).
Paluel is one of France's largest nuclear power plants, with each of its four units generating over 1,300 megawatts of power.
EDF stated that measures were taken at 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT) after the arrival of jellyfish in the filters of the non-nuclear part of the plant.
The company added that its teams were carrying out the necessary diagnostics and interventions to get both reactors fully back online.
