Danube drought impact on regional nuclear energy

Extreme drought and low water levels in the Danube have triggered an energy crisis affecting nuclear power production in Hungary and Romania. The Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary has been forced to operate at a severely reduced capacity, requiring increased electricity imports.

In Romania, the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant underwent a complete shutdown after two reactors were taken offline in late July and early August due to insufficient water intake. To secure cooling water, the government is implementing emergency measures, including urgent dredging, constructing a jetty to divert water into the supply canal, and preparing high-power pumps. Additionally, the state company Hidroelectrica will release an average of 50 cubic meters of water per second from the Olt River reservoirs for five days.

Energy officials indicate that restarting the reactors is unlikely before the end of August. Consequently, Romania remains heavily reliant on thermal power plants, such as Turceni and Rovinari, to maintain the national energy system's balance. While repairs at the Turceni plant may allow Group 5 to resume energy delivery by next week, reliance on coal remains high.

The water shortage is causing broader regional energy pressures; Bulgaria has announced plans to reduce output at its Kozloduy nuclear plant. Furthermore, Romanian officials estimate that electricity bills could increase by approximately 5% next year due to these supply challenges.