Record Low Danube Closes Nuclear Reactors

Key Points:

• Romania initiated a controlled shutdown of the second reactor at its Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to a severe drought causing record low levels in the Danube River, which is critical for cooling the reactors.
• The first reactor was already shut down in late July, and the plant, which provides about 20% of Romania's electricity when fully operational, relies on river water for cooling.
• Romanian authorities have taken extraordinary measures, including sinking barges to redirect water flow toward the plant, but these efforts were insufficient to maintain operational water levels.
• The Ministry of Energy assured that electricity supply will be fully covered by alternative sources and imports despite the shutdown, and Nuclearelectrica confirmed the shutdown poses no safety risks.
• Similar concerns are affecting Hungary, where authorities plan to raise Danube water levels to support the operation of the Paks nuclear power plant.