Romania shuts only nuclear plant amid heat, Danube drought
Europe's heatwave forces Romania to shut its only nuclear plant, threatening 20% of the country's electricity supply.
The update
Romania has disconnected its only nuclear power station, the Cernavodă plant, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. The shutdown affects the second of the plant’s two reactors, which produces roughly 20% of Romania’s electricity. Authorities expect the facility to remain offline for at least the next 10 days.
Why it matters
The Danube provides essential cooling water for the reactors. Low river levels have made it impossible for the plant to draw water, forcing a complete halt to operations. This comes as a severe drought grips much of Europe, causing the Danube to hit its lowest flow rates in over three decades. The shutdown threatens to strain Romania’s energy grid, though officials say alternative sources like wind and imports will help bridge the gap.
What to watch
Romania is taking measures to protect its energy supply, including sinking barges filled with rocks to raise water levels. Neighboring Hungary has also faced similar pressure on its Paks nuclear plant but has so far avoided a shutdown. As temperatures remain high and river levels drop, the situation will likely continue to evolve.
Sources
- bbc.co.uk — Plant shutdown details, restart timeline, and cooling water explanation.
- aljazeera.com — Drought context, neighbor Hungary's situation, and government response.
