# Bulgaria Kozloduy nuclear plant status > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-kozloduy-nuclear-plant-status > Updated: 2026-08-04T13:19:26.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The first Kozloduy nuclear unit was connected to Bulgaria’s grid on 24 July 1974, marking the country’s entry into nuclear power generation. Over the following decades the plant expanded to six reactors, reaching a peak capacity of 3 760 MW, before four of the original VVER-440 blocks were decommissioned between 2004 and 2006, leaving two VVER-1000 units in operation. By August 2026, unprecedentedly low water levels in the Danube River prompted the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant to implement emergency preventive measures. While the plant continues to operate according to its production schedule, a specialized working group has been formed to monitor and optimize cooling systems, shore pumping stations, and spent fuel storage facilities. The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy is coordinating inter-agency efforts to ensure sufficient water availability. This situation is part of a broader regional energy challenge caused by drought. In Romania, the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant has reportedly ceased operations, while Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant has significantly limited production, leading the Hungarian government to consider constructing a temporary dam to raise water levels. Energy experts suggest that Bulgaria’s grid could remain supplied even if Kozloduy were to cease operations, noting that current electricity generation of approximately 7,000 MW far exceeds the consumption of 3,800 MW. Specialists highlighted that a combination of photovoltaic centers, large-scale battery storage—capable of delivering up to 5,000 MW for several hours—and coal-fired stations like Bobov Dol and Maritsa East 2 are crucial for maintaining national energy security. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-04: Bulgaria's Energy Experts Say Renewables and Coal Plants Can Offset Potential Kozloduy Nuclear Shutdown Experts say Bulgaria’s renewables, batteries and coal plants can keep the grid stable if Kozloduy nuclear shuts down due to low Danube water levels. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarias-energy-experts-say-renewables-and-coal-plants-can-offset-potential-kozloduy-nuclear-shutdo ### 2026-07-23: Kozloduy Nuclear Plant Generates First Power in Bulgaria, 24 July 1974 Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant delivered Bulgaria's first nuclear electricity on 24 July 1974, using a VVER‑440 reactor; the plant later expanded to six units and remains a regional power exporter. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kozloduy-nuclear-plant-generates-first-power-in-bulgaria-24-july-1974 --- Cite as: Bulgaria Kozloduy nuclear plant status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-kozloduy-nuclear-plant-status