Romania shuts its last nuclear reactor as drought-hit Danube river drops to record low
Summary
Romania has shut down its last active nuclear reactor at the Cernavoda plant because the Danube River’s water level dropped to record lows due to drought. This shutdown reduces Romania’s electricity supply and affects neighboring Moldova, which depends on Romanian power and now faces potential electricity shortages.Key Facts
- Romania’s two nuclear reactors at Cernavoda each produce 706 megawatts, together supplying 20% of the country’s electricity.
- Both reactors have been stopped because the Danube River’s water, used for cooling, fell to a dangerously low level.
- Moldova relies on Romanian electricity for up to 60% of its needs and now may have to buy more expensive electricity or deal with power outages.
- Romania has declared an energy emergency for August and urged reduced power use during peak times.
- To compensate, Romania activated a 330-megawatt coal (lignite) power plant and increased wind and hydro power where possible.
- Some large factories, including car makers Dacia and Ford, paused production to save electricity.
- Many Danube River sections recorded the lowest water flows in 34 years due to drought worsened by climate change.
- Other European countries like France and Hungary also face nuclear power drops caused by drought and low river water affecting reactor cooling.
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