Romania shuts down its only nuclear power plant because of the drying up of the Danube

Romania has shut down its sole nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. The decision came after weeks of severe drought conditions that have gripped much of Europe. The shutdown affects both reactors at the facility, which together supply around 20 percent of Romania’s electricity. According to officials, the plant will remain closed for at least ten days. The closure was announced on August 14, 2026, following a prolonged period of exceptionally low water levels in the Danube, the second-longest river in Europe. Water levels have dropped to their lowest point in three decades, forcing authorities to take emergency measures to ensure continued operations. In an effort to maintain flow into the power plant, Romanian officials deployed four barges loaded with stone to create a temporary dam, redirecting water toward the facility. This measure was reported by the BBC. Both reactors at Cernavoda were temporarily shut down during the week leading up to the official closure. The second reactor was taken offline just before noon on Thursday, August 14. Director of the plant, Romeo Urjan, told AFP that there was no expectation of restarting the reactors within the next ten days. The first reactor had already been shut down earlier this month, in July. This marks the second time the plant has been forced to halt operations due to water shortages, with the last such incident occurring in 2023. Operators at the Cernavoda plant stated that the water level was so low that the intake pipes, used to draw water from the river, could not reach the surface. As a result, the plant was unable to operate safely under current conditions. With the loss of nuclear power, Romania must rely more heavily on imported energy, particularly coal and gas, to meet evening demand. Normally, the country covers part of its energy needs through solar and wind power, but these sources have also been affected by the ongoing drought. Hydroelectric plants throughout Romania have also struggled with reduced output, further straining the national grid. The situation reflects broader challenges faced by European nations dealing with extreme weather patterns linked to climate change. Droughts have persisted for several weeks, impacting agricultural production and water supplies across the continent. In neighboring Hungary, similar issues have led to the temporary shutdown of its own nuclear power plant. Premier Peter Magyar has indicated that the facility will soon resume operations once conditions improve. This highlights how the crisis is not isolated to Romania but is part of a wider pattern affecting multiple countries in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, experts warn that the impact of the drought extends beyond immediate energy concerns. Prolonged dry spells can lead to long-term environmental damage, including soil degradation and increased risk of wildfires. Governments across Europe are being urged to invest in resilient infrastructure and alternative energy solutions to mitigate future disruptions. For now, Romania faces the challenge of managing its energy shortfall while working to restore normal operations at Cernavoda.