Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant faces cooling risks due to low Danube levels

Low water levels in the Danube River are putting pressure on the cooling system of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant in Bulgaria. While the plant currently operates normally, the low river level has triggered emergency procedures.

To operate at maximum capacity, the plant requires approximately 9 million cubic meters of water per day. The current river level is measured at 20.60 meters. According to Tsanko Bachiyanski, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, the shore pumping station is still successfully supplying the necessary water to the turbine condensers via a seven-kilometer cooling canal.

Specific thresholds have been established for water levels: at 21 meters, maximum water reserves begin to accumulate; if the level falls below 20.30 meters, the power of the blocks must be reduced to a minimum; and if it drops below 19.70 meters, the shore pumping station will stop working. The power of Unit 5 has already been preemptively reduced as authorities monitor long-term water trends.

To ensure safety, additional pumps from the fire department have been prepared to assist in a controlled shutdown if levels continue to drop. The plant provides roughly one-third of Bulgaria's electricity.