When the elements are not involved, human errors can lead to disastrous consequences. Chernobyl is a blatant example and the consequences of the lack of alertness and precaution on the nuclear reactor n ° 4 are still visible today. In France, a few days ago, on June 15, 2025, an error almost caused a disaster. Fortunately, it was identified and repaired in time: an incident result without consequences. Phew.
Well, this is not a story of a key forgetting, but the closure of a bad nuclear cooling tap. A more serious. But that is what happened on June 15, 2025 in the Golfech nuclear power plant in Tarn-et-Garonne. Indeed, on the occasion of a completely usual maintenance operation, a production unit at the end was to be inspected: unit n ° 2.
To do this, it was necessary to manually close the pumps of the cooling circuit of this reactor. However, the technician in charge of this operation was wrong and closed the cooling tap of nuclear reactor n ° 1 which was indeed on the move.
It was not until the same evening, around 10 p.m., 6 p.m. after closing the nuclear reactor cooling tap that the error was detected. The valves were quickly opened again and the system was operational again around 10:30 p.m. without any consequences. Nuclear incident avoided.
Why should a nuclear reactor be cooled?
It's quite simple: to avoid overheating. Well, we grant you, the explanation is not far away. Let's go a little more in detail.
Today, in a nuclear reactor we make electricity thanks to the fission of uranium atoms. This causes great heat. This allows the production of steam to activate the turbines which will produce electricity.
However, the temperature in a nuclear reactor must be checked otherwise, in case of overheating, this could lead to the reactor merger and therefore cause a major nuclear incident.
And to cool, nothing beats water. It is taken from rivers or directly from the sea which, at low temperature, will allow the heart of the nuclear reactor to be cooled and therefore avoid disasters.
Source: La Dépêche
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
