Romania has temporarily shut down both reactors at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant for the first time since the facility was commissioned, following a critical drop in the water level of the Danube River, which is used to cool the reactors. The decision was made by the plant's operator, Nuclearelectrica, after hydrological conditions reached levels at which continued operation could have affected the safety and reliability of the facility.

The second reactor was initially taken offline, after which the company decided to shut down the first unit as well. As a result, Romania's largest nuclear power plant has completely ceased electricity generation for the first time in the country's history of nuclear energy.

Located in southeastern Romania, the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant operates two Canadian-designed CANDU-6 reactors with a capacity of approximately 700 MW each. The facility generates around 20% of Romania's electricity, making it one of the cornerstones of the national power system and a major source of low-carbon electricity.

The shutdown was caused by the record-low water level of the Danube, resulting from prolonged drought and an intense heatwave affecting much of Southeastern Europe. According to Romania's hydrometeorological authorities, water levels along several sections of the river have fallen to their lowest levels in decades. Similar conditions have also been reported in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Hungary, where low water levels have already disrupted river navigation and affected energy infrastructure.

The temporary shutdown of the nuclear power plant is forcing Romania to increase electricity generation from natural gas- and coal-fired power plants, while also expanding electricity imports through interconnections with neighboring countries. According to energy market analysts, this could lead to higher wholesale electricity prices and place additional pressure on the national power grid during the peak summer demand period.

 

Experts note that the situation once again highlights the growing vulnerability of nuclear power generation to climate-related factors. Although nuclear plants are not dependent on weather conditions for electricity production itself, their operation relies heavily on the availability of sufficient water for reactor cooling. Similar operational restrictions have been imposed in recent years on nuclear power plants in France, Switzerland, and the United States during periods of extreme heat.

Meanwhile, Romania continues to advance plans for the construction of the third and fourth reactors at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, as well as the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) with support from the United States. However, the current crisis is expected to intensify discussions on adapting energy infrastructure to the impacts of climate change and improving the resilience of critical energy facilities to hydrological risks.

#ROMANIA

29.07.2026 07:32