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Romania shutting down reactor at Cernavoda nuclear plant
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Romania initiated a controlled shutdown of the second reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to a severe drought causing record low levels in the Danube River, which is essential for cooling the reactors.
- The first reactor was already shut down in late July, and the Cernavoda plant typically provides about 20% of Romania’s electricity when fully operational.
- Authorities have assured that Romania’s electricity needs will be met through alternative sources and imports despite the shutdown of the second reactor.
- Efforts to prevent the shutdown included sinking barges to redirect water flow toward the plant, but these measures were ultimately insufficient as water levels fell below operational requirements.
- The plant operator confirmed that maintaining the reactors in a safe shutdown state poses no risk to nuclear safety, personnel, the environment, or the public.
