In brief
A single nuclear power plant in Romania has been taken offline after extreme heat caused the Danube River to fall to record low levels, preventing safe cooling for the reactors. The Cernavodă complex, which supplies roughly 20% of the country’s electricity, will not restart the second 706‑megawatt reactor for at least ten days. The authorities tried to boost river flow by sinking barges laden with rocks, but the water remains too shallow. European neighbours faced similar risks, with Hungary’s Paks plant nearly shutting down and the Rhine likewise suffering from drought. Meanwhile, renewable sources such as solar and wind are covering the shortfall during the day, yet coal and gas imports will be needed in the evenings.
Romania’s only nuclear power station has been shut down after the Danube River fell to record low levels during a sustained heatwave, leaving the reactors unable to draw cooling water.
The Cernavodă plant, home to two 706‑megawatt reactors that supply about 20 percent of electricity for the country, will not restart the second unit for at least ten days. The first reactor had already been offline since July.
Authorities attempted to raise the water flow by sinking barges filled with rocks into the river, but the suction nozzles could not reach the shallow depths, forcing a shutdown.
Heatwaves are striking Europe; Hungary’s Paks plant, which also relies on the Danube, has avoided a complete shutdown, while the Rhine is similarly stressed. The low water has also limited hydropower generation across the continent.
During the day, solar and wind partially offset the shortfall, but in the evening imports from coal and gas will be required to meet demand.
Romania’s situation highlights how climate‑driven river droughts can disrupt energy infrastructure, prompting emergency interventions and cross‑border cooperation.
