Safety
Romania Shuts Down Nuclear Reactor Amid Danube Water Crisis
Romania has disconnected the second reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to critically low water levels in the Danube River caused by a prolonged heatwave.
According to reports from Khaosod Online, citing BBC and AP, Romania has shut down the second reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. This facility, the country's only nuclear power station, provides approximately 20% of Romania's electricity. The shutdown was necessitated by a significant drop in the water levels of the Danube River, which is essential for the plant's cooling systems, following over two months of severe heatwaves and drought across Europe.
The reactor, which has a capacity of 706 megawatts, was disconnected from the power grid on Thursday, August 13. Officials do not expect the reactor to resume operations within the next 10 days. Earlier in the week, authorities attempted to divert more water to the plant by sinking a barge filled with rocks, but these efforts were insufficient to maintain operations. This event marks a potential 44-year record for the facility.
For residents and travelers in the region, this situation highlights the strain on infrastructure during extreme weather. While the immediate impact is on the power grid, the situation remains fluid. Similarly, Hungary is struggling to keep its Paks nuclear plant operational as Danube water levels hit a 30-year low. It remains to be confirmed how long these power disruptions will persist and whether further energy rationing or grid instability will affect local services.