“France is running out of power”

France is importing much of its power from Germany and other neighbouring countries to cope with the cold winter weather, Stefan Brändle writes for Berliner Zeitung. Almost 40 percent of French homes are heated with electricity from the country’s 58 nuclear reactors, Brändle explains. But half a dozen have been shut down for maintenance. That means relying on “dirt-cheap” electric radiators instead of central heating carries a risk of power outages, he writes. Several nuclear plant operators have said they will postpone pending repair work while the government issues citizens with instructions to save power, Brändle adds.

For background, read the CLEW dossier Germany’s energy transition in the European context.