Amid an intense European heatwave in July 2025, several nuclear power plants in France and Switzerland have been shut down or had their output reduced due to elevated river water temperatures, which are critical for reactor cooling and local ecosystem protection. In Switzerland, the operator Axpo reported that one of the two reactors at the Beznau nuclear power plant was completely shut down, while the second reactor is operating at half capacity because the River Aare's water temperature is too high. Similar measures were taken in France, where multiple reactors were either shut down or operated at reduced capacity to avoid environmental damage. Despite these reductions, France's power grid has remained stable, although experts warn that ongoing heatwaves may increasingly strain energy supplies. The shutdowns have sparked debate, with some operators calling for a relaxation of climate protection measures to maintain electricity production during extreme heat events. Meanwhile, Spain's nuclear plants continue to operate during the summer without similar shutdowns.