Romania rushes to sink barges in Danube to keep nuclear power plant running

Key Points:

• Romania is sinking four rock-laden barges into the Danube River to redirect water toward the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, aiming to extend the operation of its second reactor amid record-low river levels.
• The Danube's water levels have dropped to their lowest in decades due to extreme heatwaves and low rainfall, forcing the shutdown of one reactor and threatening the second at Cernavoda, which provides about 20% of Romania's electricity.
• Authorities have implemented emergency measures, including dredging and a nationwide energy alert, urging citizens to reduce electricity usage during peak hours to manage potential energy shortfalls.
• The barges are expected to increase water flow to the plant within a day, potentially extending the second reactor's operation from five to ten days despite ongoing drought conditions.
• Neighboring countries like Hungary and Moldova are also experiencing energy challenges due to the Danube's low levels, with Hungary's nuclear plant nearing shutdown and Moldova calling for voluntary electricity reductions.