Kozloduy NPP faces critical water levels as Danube remains low

Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva Petrova has reported that while the Danube River's water levels are beginning to rise, they remain below the necessary thresholds for the stable operation of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The plant is currently operating under critical conditions, a situation expected to persist for another two to three weeks.

Due to the low water levels, the capacity of Unit 5 at the Kozloduy NPP was preemptively reduced by approximately 120 megawatts on August 21, marking the first time in the plant's 52-year history that such a measure was required. Despite these operational challenges, Petrova confirmed that Bulgaria has not reduced its electricity exports and has even been able to support other countries in the region through its interconnected energy system.

To mitigate future risks, the government is developing technical solutions, including the construction of a dam near the Kozloduy NPP and exploring alternative water supply methods. Additionally, regarding the Maritsa Iztok complex, Petrova stated that activities are being organized into packages involving coal mining and land reclamation, emphasizing that there will be no mass layoffs or loss of jobs in the mines.