• Four reactors at Gravelines nuclear plant were shut down due to a jellyfish swarm.
• The incident is linked to rising water temperatures associated with climate change.
• The Asian Moon jellyfish, an invasive species, may be contributing to increased jellyfish populations.
• Safety of the plant and its surroundings remains uncompromised despite the shutdown.
• Experts are exploring ways to prevent such shutdowns in the future using technology.

Four reactors at the Gravelines nuclear power plant in northern France were shut down due to a swarm of jellyfish clogging the cooling systems, as reported by Electricite de France (EDF). This incident is attributed to rising water temperatures in the North Sea, which create favorable conditions for jellyfish reproduction, according to Reuters, TRT, and Al Jazeera.

The shutdown occurred on Sunday evening and continued into Monday, affecting crucial operations at one of the largest nuclear facilities in France, which typically produces 5.4 gigawatts of power. EDF reported that all six units of the plant are currently offline, with the two remaining reactors already out for planned maintenance, according to Reuters and TRT.

Marine biology consultant Derek Wright noted that, “Jellyfish breed faster when water is warmer,” indicating that climate change has extended their reproductive periods. This proliferation is compounded by jellyfish hitching rides in ballast water of ships, spreading to distant waters, as pointed out by Reuters, TRT, and Al Jazeera.

Furthermore, the Asian Moon jellyfish, an invasive species first recorded in the North Sea in 2020, has been particularly problematic. This species thrives in still waters like canals and has caused operational disruptions at nuclear facilities in other regions, including China and Japan, according to Reuters, TRT, and Al Jazeera.

EDF has confirmed that the shutdown did not pose a risk to the plant's safety or its environment, and there are currently no expectations of a power shortage, as other energy sources remain operational. Inspections are underway to prepare for a safe restart of the reactors, which EDF anticipates will resume by Thursday, as per Reuters, TRT, and Al Jazeera.