By Mauro Orru 
 

Electricite de France SA said Thursday that it is adjusting its annual nuclear output estimates amid a drop in electricity consumption due to the economic slowdown ensuing from the coronavirus pandemic.

The state-controlled French utility company said it expects annual nuclear output to be around 300 terawatt hours in 2020, with a range of 330 terawatt hours to 360 terawatt hours in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

EDF said electricity consumption could fall to 20% from usual levels, and that some nuclear reactors may have to be taken offline in the summer and autumn of 2020 to preserve fuel and ensure power supply for the winter of 2020 and 2021.

The announcement comes after EDF said it was withdrawing guidance for 2020 and 2021 as economic turmoil was denting power demand, particularly its nuclear-generation business.

Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com; @MauroOrru94

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 16, 2020 03:06 ET (07:06 GMT)