- The Danube river has dropped to a record low due to drought conditions.
- Romania has shut its last nuclear reactor, significantly impacting its energy supply.
- Romania has declared a state of energy emergency throughout August, urging reductions in consumption during peak hours.
- To address the energy crisis, Romania activated a 330-megawatt lignite-fired power plant and is relying on increased wind and hydro power.
- Carmakers Dacia and Ford have paused production until 19 August to help mitigate the power deficit.
- Moldova now faces increased purchases from Ukraine, more expensive power from western countries, or potential rolling power cuts.
- Moldovan energy expert Sergiu Tofilat warned of a worsening situation, including possible power outages.
Romania has shut down its last nuclear reactor at the Cernavoda plant due to record-low water levels in the Danube, declaring a state of energy emergency for August. The reactor's closure, which accounts for 20% of the country's power output, is a significant move that will impact neighboring Moldova, which relies on Romanian electricity for up to 60% of its needs.
The decision was made as the company cited a “significant and ongoing drop” in the river's water level, with no expected restart in the next 10 days. Moldova faces challenges as it may need to increase purchases from Ukraine or buy more expensive power from western countries, potentially leading to rolling power cuts.
Moldovan energy expert Sergiu Tofilat warned, “I think we should be ready for a worsening situation, including power outages, although it’s hard to say for sure right now.” In response, Romania's energy ministry has activated a 330-megawatt lignite-fired power plant and is relying on increased wind generation and hydro power to mitigate shortages. The government has also indicated that large industrial users may face restrictions during peak hours to conserve electricity.
In early August, the government announced that carmakers Dacia and Ford would pause production until 19 August to help address the power deficit.
“Moldova, which relies on Romanian power for up to 60% of its shortages, now faces pricier imports from the west or rolling cuts. Romania activated a 330-megawatt lignite plant and paused Dacia and Ford production until 19 August to ease the deficit.”
The Guardian
