# Balkan energy crisis: Nuclear shutdowns and fuel shortages > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/serbia-hydroelectric-project-development > Updated: 2026-08-13T15:14:33.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 6. The regional energy crisis in the Balkans has intensified as drought and infrastructure failures impact both thermal and nuclear production. In Romania, extreme drought and record-low Danube water levels have forced a controlled shutdown of both reactors at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. Unit 1 was disconnected in July, followed by the disconnection of Unit 2 in August 2026. As Unit 2 provides approximately 20% of the nation’s electricity, the government is relying on wind, hydro, coal, gas, and energy imports to maintain grid stability. Authorities are exploring long-term solutions, such as the Bala 2 project, to improve water flow to the plant. While Romanian energy companies have reported mixed financial results—with Nuclearelectrica seeing a 36.6% increase in net profit for the first half of 2026 and Hidroelectrica reporting a 62% increase—the regional shortage continues to benefit Bulgaria, which has seen a surge in electricity exports and profits. In Serbia, the Kostolac thermal power plant’s A2 block remains a critical issue following a fire that destroyed air heater components and damaged internal structures. This outage, representing approximately 4.5% of national electricity production, is estimated to cost between 420,000 and 750,000 euros per day in lost production. Simultaneously, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a significant production deficit. Elektroprivreda BiH reported that its 2025 production fell short of targets by 1,452.4 GWh, driven by poor coal quality and a shortfall of 1.01 million tons in coal deliveries from its own mines. Consequently, the company has had to purchase additional electricity from the market to meet domestic demand. ## Claims - The Spanish government has extended the operating licenses for both reactors at the Almaraz nuclear power plant until June 2030. (disputed by 7 sources) - The extension for Almaraz Unit I is approximately 31 months and for Unit II is 19 months (disputed by 3 sources) - Romania has performed a controlled shutdown of Unit 2 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to low Danube River water levels. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Romania's national electricity supply will be covered by alternative sources and imports following the Cernavoda shutdown. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The second reactor at Cernavoda is not expected to return to operation within the next ten days. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nuclearelectrica reported a net profit of 1.183 billion lei for the first half of 2026, a 36.6% increase from the previous year. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Bulgaria is expected to see increased energy export profits due to the regional energy crisis caused by low Danube water levels. (single source) - Hidroelectrica reported a 62% increase in net profit for the first half of 2026. (single source) - Transgaz reported a consolidated net profit decrease of 215.31 million lei for the first half of 2026 compared to 2025. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Almaraz and Cernavoda nuclear plants face operational shifts in Spain and Romania Spain has extended the Almaraz nuclear plant's operation until 2030 to ensure energy security, while Romania has shut down its Cernavoda reactors due to severe drought and low Danube water levels. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-markets-shift-as-low-danube-water-levels-impact-regional-power ### 2026-08-12: Energy production faces shortages in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia Energy stability is pressured in Bosnia and Herzegovina by coal shortages and in Serbia by a major fire at the Kostolac thermal power plant, leading to production deficits and increased market reliance. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-production-faces-shortages-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-and-serbia ### 2026-08-07: Serbia maintains energy stability despite low Danube water levels Low Danube water levels have reduced Serbia's hydropower output to 20-30% capacity, but officials report the energy system remains stable through thermal power and rehabilitated hydro assets. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-maintains-energy-stability-despite-low-danube-water-levels ### 2026-07-25: Serbian Power Grid Remains Stable Despite Low Danube Water Levels Serbian EPS chief says electricity supply will stay stable even as Đerdap 1 runs at one‑third capacity due to low Danube levels, with impacts on other plants noted. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-power-grid-remains-stable-despite-low-danube-water-levels ### 2026-07-22: Serbian Power Utility EPS Readies Vlasina Hydroelectric Revitalization Serbian utility EPS prepares to start autumn works on modernising Vlasina hydro plants, a €109.7 million project funded by the EBRD, EU and EPS to boost long‑term power reliability. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-power-utility-eps-readies-vlasina-hydroelectric-revitalization ### 2026-07-09: Serbia's Gjerdap 3 hydroelectric project secures US partnership The US is partnering with Serbia on the Gjerdap 3 pumped‑storage hydro plant on the Danube, aiming to improve grid stability, reduce Russian energy dependence, and support Serbia’s shift from coal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbias-gjerdap-3-hydroelectric-project-secures-us-partnership --- Cite as: Balkan energy crisis: Nuclear shutdowns and fuel shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/serbia-hydroelectric-project-development