dw.com- Romania has shut its nuclear plant due to low Danube water levels.
- Hungary is damming the Danube to keep its Paks nuclear plant running at minimal levels, with only one of four reactors operational.
- Prime Minister Peter Magyar visited the Paks facility and announced construction of a low weir to raise the Danube's water level, with soldiers working round the clock and completion expected in four weeks.
- Romania's Energy Ministry is procuring alternative power sources, including wind power and imports, and may restrict large industrial users in the evening as a last resort.
- Carmakers Ford and Dacia paused production until August 19 to save power.
Low water levels in the Danube River have led Romania to shut down its Cernavoda nuclear power plant, which typically generates 20% of the country's electricity. The plant's director, Romeo Urjan, stated, "We do not foresee a restart within the next 10 days," as the facility relies solely on the Danube for cooling water.
Romania's Nuclearelectrica company had already shut one of the two reactors at Cernavoda last month due to similar conditions. In response to the crisis, the Energy Ministry is procuring alternative power sources, including wind energy and imports, to ensure adequate supplies. They warned that large industrial users may face restrictions during evening hours to conserve electricity.4
Meanwhile, Hungary is taking measures to maintain operations at its Paks nuclear power plant, which is also cooled by the Danube. Currently, only one of Paks' four reactors is operational. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the construction of a low weir to raise the Danube's water level, stating, "We have begun construction of the low weir that will permanently contribute to raising the Danube's water level," with completion expected in four weeks. Hungarian soldiers are working around the clock on this project.3
As drought conditions persist, both countries are grappling with the implications for energy production and supply stability.
“Romania's Energy Ministry is procuring wind power and imports, and may restrict large industrial users in the evening as a last resort. Carmakers Ford and Dacia have paused production until August 19 to save power, while Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced a low weir construction to raise the Danube's water level.”
