Romania shuts its last nuclear reactor as drought-hit Danube river drops to record low

Romania has shut down the last working reactor at its sole nuclear plant in Cernavoda due to record low water levels in the drought-stricken Danube River. This shutdown, affecting 20% of Romania's power output, immediately impacts Moldova, which relies on Romanian electricity to cover up to 60% of its shortages. Romania has declared an energy emergency and is seeking alternative power sources, including a lignite plant and increased wind and hydro generation. Neighboring Hungary is also taking measures to manage low Danube levels at its Paks nuclear plant, which has partially shut down. The drought's impact on nuclear power cooling is a growing concern across Europe, exacerbated by climate change.

Romania has shut down its sole nuclear power plant, Cernavodă, due to critically low water levels in the Danube River. Prolonged hot weather across Europe has caused the river's level to drop significantly, impacting the plant's cooling system. The Cernavodă plant, which generates approximately 20% of Romania's electricity, is not expected to resume operations for at least 10 days. Authorities had previously attempted to increase water flow to the plant by sinking barges loaded with rocks. This is the second shutdown for the plant this year, with one reactor already disconnected in July.

Romania has paused operations at its sole nuclear plant, the Cernavoda facility, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. The river is essential for providing cooling water to the plant's reactors. Nuclearelectrica, the national nuclear energy company, began a controlled shutdown of the second reactor on Thursday, following the shutdown of the first reactor last month. This closure is occurring amid a severe drought across Europe, which has significantly reduced the Danube's flow rates. Romania had attempted to prevent a complete shutdown, investing over 2 million euros in measures to divert the river's flow. The Ministry of Energy anticipates that alternative power sources will ensure adequate electricity supply, but has urged responsible consumption and warned of potential restrictions for large industrial users as a last resort.

Romania has initiated a controlled shutdown of the second reactor at its Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to record low water levels on the Danube River, caused by a severe drought. This follows the shutdown of the first reactor in late July. The Cernavoda plant, which supplies approximately 20% of Romania's electricity, relies on Danube water for cooling its reactors. Despite efforts to improve water flow, including underwater demolitions, the river levels have fallen too low for continued operation. The Romanian Ministry of Energy stated that the country's electricity supply will be covered by alternative sources and imports. Neighboring Hungary is also taking steps to raise Danube levels to keep its own nuclear plant operational.