France’s nuclear power generation has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years, with just half the country’s nuclear facilities currently operating as a result of sidelined units with corrosion issues that need to be resolved before they can return to service.

Just days ago, France’s power utility EDF announced that the amount of recovery time needed by four sidelined nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 5.2 GW will be further extended, increasing the strain on the energy sector.

Uncertainty in the French energy market has driven electricity prices higher, especially electricity futures.

The situation is directly impacting neighboring markets, until recently dependent on French electricity imports.