Western Europe's Largest Nuclear Power Plant Shut Down Due to Jellyfish

Jellyfish have caused the shutdown of Western Europe's largest nuclear power plant in northern France. Four reactors were automatically turned off due to a blockage in the cooling system's pump at the Gravelines plant, announced France's electricity operator.

"Three reactors have been shut down, while the other two are undergoing maintenance. The Gravelines power plant has closed due to a massive and unpredictable 'invasion' of jellyfish on the filter barrels of the pump stations," the statement said.

According to the state-owned company, the incident has had no impact on the safety of the facilities, personnel, or the surrounding environment.

The Gravelines nuclear power plant, which is the largest in Western Europe, is located about 20 km northeast of Calais and includes six 900 MW reactors. Two additional 1600 MW reactors are planned to be built by 2040.