Romania shuts its last nuclear reactor as drought-hit Danube river drops to record low

Romania has shut down its final operating nuclear reactor due to record-low water levels in the Danube River, raising concerns over energy security for neighboring Moldova. The decision came as part of broader efforts to manage an energy crisis triggered by a severe drought and a summer heatwave. The closure of the Cernavoda plant, operated by Nuclearelectrica, affects both domestic power supplies and regional energy trade, particularly with Moldova, which depends heavily on Romanian electricity. The Danube River, which runs through several European nations, has reached historically low levels, forcing the shutdown of one reactor earlier this month. On Thursday, Nuclearelectrica announced the shutdown of the second reactor at the plant, citing continued declines in water levels. The two reactors, each producing 706 megawatts of power, contribute 20% of Romania's overall electricity output. With the reactors offline, the country has declared an energy emergency for the entire month of August and urged residents and businesses to conserve energy during peak hours. Moldova, located just east of Romania, faces potential disruptions in its energy supply as it relies on up to 60% of its electricity imports from Romania. Without access to Romanian power, Moldova may need to seek alternative sources, such as purchasing electricity from Ukraine or more expensive options from Western countries. Energy expert Sergiu Tofilat expressed concern over the possible consequences, stating that the country should prepare for worsening conditions, including power outages. To mitigate the impact of the energy shortage, Romania has activated a 330-megawatt lignite-fired power plant and is increasing reliance on wind and hydroelectric generation. However, these measures may not fully compensate for the lost nuclear output. The government has warned that large industrial consumers, including car manufacturers Dacia and Ford, may face production halts during evenings to reduce electricity demand. The drought has extended beyond Romania, affecting nuclear facilities across Europe. In France, where nuclear power accounts for approximately 70% of electricity generation, 13 of 57 reactors faced operational challenges due to reduced water availability, extreme heat, and other factors. Hungary, another Danube-dependent nation, has partially shut down its Paks nuclear plant, which typically generates around a third of the country’s electricity. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has ordered the construction of a submerged wall near the plant to stabilize water levels and has deployed two barges that could be sunk to increase river depth. Scientists affiliated with the World Weather Attribution group attribute the current drought to human-induced climate change, warning that such extreme weather events will likely become more frequent. The Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, has also disrupted shipping operations along its 2,850-kilometer stretch, impacting trade and transportation networks. As the region grapples with the effects of the drought, the interdependence of energy systems between Romania and Moldova highlights the broader implications of climate-related disruptions. The situation underscores the vulnerability of energy infrastructure reliant on natural resources and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to ensure stability in the face of environmental uncertainty.