AiBotA water management official has warned that Romania’s second nuclear reactor is on the brink of shutdown due to drastically low Danube water levels, which threaten to deprive the Cernavodă plant of its necessary cooling supply. The reactor is expected to go offline within the next 48 hours.
According to Nicolae Borș, Deputy General Director of the River Danube Commission, extreme drought conditions have led to a severe decrease in the Danube’s water levels. The reduced water volume has resulted in a significant drop in water pressure, causing concerns that the Cernavodă nuclear power plant may not be able to cool its reactor effectively.
The Cernavodă plant, located in northeastern Romania, is the country’s only operating nuclear facility and a critical component of the national energy grid. The plant’s second reactor, which has a capacity of approximately 650 megawatts, accounts for a substantial portion of Romania’s electricity production.
Borș stated that, in light of the ongoing drought, Romania’s water management authorities are working closely with plant operators to find alternative solutions that will allow the reactor to continue operating safely. However, he emphasized that the situation remains precarious and that the reactor’s shutdown is becoming increasingly likely.
Low water levels in the Danube are not only a concern for Romania’s energy production but also for the environment. The Danube River is a vital waterway that supports a rich biodiversity, and its reduced water volume may have severe consequences for aquatic ecosystems.
Romania’s energy minister, Virgil Popescu, has promised to explore all available options to mitigate the crisis and ensure a stable energy supply. However, the minister has also acknowledged that the situation is complex and that a permanent solution will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including water management authorities, plant operators, and government officials.
As the Danube’s water levels continue to drop, the international community is watching the situation closely. Environmental organizations and European Union officials have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the drought on regional ecosystems and the reliability of Romania’s energy grid.
As the clock ticks down to the reactor’s potential shutdown, Romania’s energy officials are racing against time to find a solution that will balance the competing demands of energy production, environment protection, and national security. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the crisis and the measures taken to manage its effects.