Kozloduy nuclear plant implements safety measures amid record low Danube water levels

Record‑low water levels on the Danube, the lowest in decades, have disrupted navigation, halted ferry links such as the Oriahovo‑Beket crossing, and strained water‑dependent operations in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. The drop has also raised concerns for the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, which relies on Danube water for cooling its turbine condensers.

In response, the plant established a dedicated working group in early July to execute a program of actions that ensures safe and reliable operation despite the prolonged low river levels. The group maintains constant communication with the Danube River Research and Maintenance Agency, the Serbian Ministry of Energy and Mining, and the Romanian‑Serbian Jerdap hydro‑electric complex. Water for the plant’s condensers is supplied via a dedicated shore‑based pump station, equipped with automated level‑monitoring systems, and does not directly cool the reactors. Serbian and Hungarian premiers have announced emergency meetings to address the broader Danube drought situation.