French hydro output during July down 15.4% y-o-y to 3,821GWh: RTE

London (Platts)--17Aug2005

French hydro power generation during July 2005 was down 15.4% year-on-year to
3,821GWh, grid operator RTE said late Tuesday. Non-hydro generation levels
during July 2005 were up 1.4% to 34,733GWh. 
     During the first six months of 2005, hydro generation in France was down
15.3% year on year. Non hydro generation in the first six months of 2005 was
up 2.8% year on year, the company said. Dry conditions in southwest Europe
have restricted hydro output in France and Spain, but a high level of
availability of nuclear plant in France eased power supply worries.
     Power export levels into Germany during July 2005 were up 13%
year-on-year to 1,083GWh. Exports to Switzerland were also up, they increased
by 10% to 2,264GWh during July. Imports from the UK during July were up 478%
to 109GWh.
     Dry conditions were also seen in the south of the UK, but hydro
generation in the UK is less important than in France, where it is used for
peak power. RTE said France remained a net exporter to countries bordering
France throughout July.
     Close to average temperatures during July 2005 resulted in "moderate" use
of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment and RTE said that French
consumption in July fell 0.5% year-on-year to 34.6TWh. Adjusted for climatic
contingencies, July demand fell by 1.0% year on year to 34.5TWh.

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