Latest news with #coolingsystem
The Independent
3 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Swarm of jellyfish shuts down nuclear power station
A nuclear power station in Gravelines, northern France, temporarily shut down after a large swarm of jellyfish infiltrated its cooling system. Four reactors automatically shut off on Sunday, with the entire plant remaining offline by Tuesday morning due to the jellyfish and planned maintenance. Energy group EDF confirmed the incident did not compromise the safety of the facilities, staff, or the environment, as the jellyfish were found in a non-nuclear part of the site. The plant is expected to gradually come back online throughout the week, with the first reactor restarting on Tuesday. Scientists warn that such incidents may become more frequent due to rising global temperatures, which lead to warmer waters and increased jellyfish breeding, as well as the introduction of invasive species.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Science
- Washington Post
French nuclear plant shut down by ‘massive' jellyfish swarm
A major nuclear power plant in northern France temporarily shut down due to the presence of a 'massive and unforeseeable' swarm of jellyfish inside its cooling system. Électricité de France, the national electric utility company that operates the Gravelines nuclear power plant, said three reactors automatically shut down Sunday night and a fourth on Monday morning after jellyfish appeared in the filtration drums of the plant's water pumping stations, which it said are 'located in the non-nuclear part of the facilities.' This means all of the plant's reactors were nonoperational as of Tuesday, because its remaining two reactors were previously shut for maintenance.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Jellyfish force French nuclear plant to shut down
A French nuclear plant temporarily shut down on Monday due to a "massive and unpredictable presence of jellyfish" in its filters, its operator swarm clogged up the cooling system and caused four units at the Gravelines nuclear power plant to automatically switch off, energy group EDF site in northern France was shut after the incident, with its remaining two units already down for said there had been "no impact on the safety of the facilities, the safety of personnel, or the environment". It added that the fish were found "in the non-nuclear part of the facilities". "The plant teams are mobilised and are currently carrying out the necessary diagnostics and interventions to be able to restart the production units safely," EDF said in a between Dunkirk and Calais, Gravelines is one of France's largest power plants, with six units which each produce 900 megawatts of is cooled from a canal connected to the North Sea, where several species of jellyfish are native and can be seen around the coast when the waters are warm.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fourth TERA-Award Ceremony held in Cambridge
UK startup wins US$1 million Gold Award 4th TERA-Award Gold Award winner HONG KONG, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asia-based smart energy innovation award TERA-Award, organised by Full Vision Capital, has revealed the results of its fourth edition. Barocal, a British company, won the Gold Award with a prize of US$1 million for its breakthrough solid-state cooling system, using barocaloric materials that undergo temperature changes when pressure is applied. For the first time, the TERA-Award was held outside Hong Kong. Over 100 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, scholars and partners attended the ceremony at King's College, University of Cambridge, on 18th July. Dr Peter Lee, Principal of Full Vision Capital and Founder of the TERA-Award, and Dr Martin Lee, Honorary Chairman of Full Vision Capital, led their first overseas mission to promote the TERA-Award together. Among 785 entries from 76 countries and regions, the Gold Award went to the UK company Barocal. Their technology eliminates harmful refrigerants and boosts energy efficiency, offering a sustainable air conditioning and refrigeration solution. Based on over a decade of research at the University of Cambridge, Barocal's innovation delivers up to three times the energy efficiency of traditional systems. This year's winners come from Australia, China, the UK, the USA, Singapore and Spain, reflecting the growing international appeal and impact of the TERA-Award. Dr Peter Lee said that hosting the TERA-Award overseas is a key step in expanding its global footprint. 'We're building a close-knit and growing network for innovators, investors, and partners. Through targeted support and incubation, we've seen many successes from past winners, and we look forward to helping more startups thrive.' He added, 'Entrepreneurship is a road filled with obstacles, particularly in the energy sector. The TERA-Award is a bridge between ideas and markets, where they can make transformational impacts on lives and the planet.' An innovation showcase and forum were held on the same day. The forum explored global clean energy trends and the role of collaboration in the energy transition. TERA-Award Alumni and startups also presented progress and exchanged ideas with investors and innovators at the showcase. The fourth TERA-Award is supported by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, InvestHK, the UK's Department for Business and Trade and Kerogen CelerateX, reflecting a growing commitment to accelerate deep-tech energy innovation and commercialise zero-carbon solutions. For details, please visit: Media EnquiriesMay TamTel: +852 9192 0062Email: maytam@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The National
03-06-2025
- General
- The National
Saudi Arabia launches world's largest cooling system as pilgrims gather for Hajj
The world's largest cooling system is in operation at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as more than a million Hajj pilgrims gather in the Saudi city amid the summer heat. The annual pilgrimage is to begin on Wednesday and Saudi authorities have vowed that the event will be safe as temperatures soar. Strict penalties have been enforced against illegal visitors to Makkah in an effort to prevent overcrowding. A cooling system with a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, a unit of power used to measure refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, will keep temperatures at the mosque between 22°C and 24°C, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. The Grand Mosque houses the Kaaba and is visited by millions of worshippers every year. The oldest parts of the mosque date back to the 16th century. Two main cooling stations will pump air around the mosque – the Shamiya station, with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes, and the Ajyad station at 35,000 tonnes, SPA reported, quoting the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque. "These efforts are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience and providing the highest levels of comfort and tranquillity during ritual performance, especially given the potentially harsh weather conditions," SPA added. Saudi authorities said last year that 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died as temperatures reached 50°C. Many were unregistered and lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for Muslims able to do so to perform the pilgrimage once in their lives. As of Friday, more than 1.3 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia, officials said. Temperatures this week are forecast to exceed 40°C. "I can't describe the joy of travelling finally for the Hajj," Abdullah Al Mutawa, 45, told The National at Dubai airport on Monday, before boarding a flight to Makkah. "I broke down in tears when I arrived at the airport knowing my dream has became a reality." More than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials will work to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has warned that anyone attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,300). Those enabling illegal pilgrims to travel to Makkah face higher fines. Foreigners who breach the rules could be barred from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. The Saudi government has built new infrastructure to enhance the safety of Hajj pilgrims. A quota system for visitors to Makkah was introduced in 1987, agreed on by member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, to limit the number of pilgrims allowed by each nation to 0.1 per cent of its population. This year, artificial intelligence will be used by authorities to monitor data and video, with a new fleet of drones to take to the skies above Makkah, to help manage the crowds.
