Fact Check: "The Garonne River is used for cooling by the Golfech nuclear power plant."
What We Know
The Golfech Nuclear Power Plant is situated on the Garonne River in France, specifically in the commune of Golfech, Tarn-et-Garonne. This facility utilizes water from the Garonne River for cooling purposes. The plant operates two pressurized water reactors, and it has two cooling towers that draw water from the river. Importantly, the cooling system is designed to be a closed loop, meaning that while water is taken from the river, it is not released back into it after use; instead, the water is primarily used to compensate for evaporation (Golfech Nuclear Power Plant).
During periods of extreme heat, the temperature of the river can exceed the statutory limit of 28 °C, which is set to protect the aquatic ecosystem. This has led to instances where the plant's output had to be reduced to comply with environmental regulations (Jammet, 2024; Duchampt, 2025).
Analysis
The claim that the Garonne River is used for cooling by the Golfech nuclear power plant is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The information from the Wikipedia page on the Golfech Nuclear Power Plant clearly states that the plant uses water from the Garonne River for its cooling system. This is further supported by reports from Reuters and France Info, which detail how the plant's operations are affected by the temperature of the river water, confirming that it is indeed a critical component of the plant's cooling process.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable. The Wikipedia entry is a well-sourced overview of the plant, while Reuters and France Info are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide timely updates on the operational status of the plant, particularly in relation to environmental conditions affecting its cooling systems.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Garonne River is used for cooling by the Golfech nuclear power plant is accurate. The plant's operational framework explicitly relies on the river for its cooling needs, and this has been corroborated by multiple credible sources. The cooling system's design and the impact of environmental regulations further reinforce the validity of this claim.
