Kathmandu— Romania’s sole nuclear power plant at Cernavoda was completely shut down on Thursday as record-low water levels in the Danube River prevented adequate cooling, according to state-owned energy company Nuclearelectrica. The shutdown highlights a growing vulnerability of European nuclear facilities reliant on river water for operations amid an ongoing heatwave and drought impacting key waterways like the Danube and Rhine. The plant’s closure has raised concerns about electricity supply within Romania and neighboring Moldova, while contributing to broader energy instability across Europe.

Danube Levels Trigger Reactor Shutdown

The Cernavoda plant, which accounts for approximately 20% of Romania’s power output, operates two reactors each with a capacity of 706 MW. One reactor was initially shut down in late July as the Danube’s water levels plummeted due to prolonged drought conditions. Despite unprecedented efforts by Romanian authorities – including sinking rock-filled barges and blasting a channel through the riverbed to redirect water towards the plant – levels continued to fall below the threshold required for safe operation, ultimately forcing the complete disconnection of the reactor from the power grid.

Regional Energy Concerns Mount

The shutdown has sparked worries in neighboring Moldova, which depends on Romanian electricity to cover up to 60% of its energy needs and is also experiencing low water levels in the Dniester River. Beyond Romania and Moldova, other European nations are facing similar challenges; Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant was forced to significantly reduce output due to the Danube’s historic lows, while France has also scaled back nuclear generation because of high river temperatures and reduced water availability. In a separate incident, French energy group EDF had to shut down three reactors at Gravelines after a jellyfish swarm interfered with operations.

Broader European Energy Crisis

Analysts warn that these reactor cuts and outages could increase electricity import dependence among vulnerable EU countries and drive up power prices across the bloc. The current disruption is exacerbating an existing energy crisis, which began following sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine – leading to a loss of access to affordable Russian gas. Further compounding the issue are tensions related to the US conflict with Iran and restrictions impacting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy transport.

Romania has declared a state of energy emergency for August, urging voluntary consumption reductions and preparing potential power cuts for industrial consumers if necessary. The situation remains fluid as authorities monitor river levels and assess the impact on regional electricity supplies.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.