France's nuclear problems snarl attempts for EU to cut reliance on Russian gas

EDF's falling nuclear production, combined with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is exacerbating Europe's energy crisis as France is traditionally a net exporter of electricity.

Electricite de France’s (EDF) nuclear failures are sending ripples through European energy markets, threatening to undermine the continent’s plan to turn its back on Russian gas.

Europe’s biggest producer of atomic energy, which usually exports cheap power during the winter, may be forced to import this year after cutting its output forecast a third time. A fleet hobbled by faults is not just a problem for France but for countries such as neighboring Germany, which may have to burn more gas to keep the lights on despite pledging to cut its reliance on Moscow.