Romania’s nuclear reactor worries persist on Danube water level forecast

Romania's nuclear power plant, located on the Danube-Black Sea Canal, is facing concerns over falling water levels that could impact its operations. Despite emergency measures, levels around the sole working reactor are set to continue decreasing this week. The plant, which accounts for 20% of the country's power needs, had already lost one reactor due to record-low water levels caused by Europe's extreme heat and wildfires.

Romania has taken steps such as blocking a rock, dredging the river bed, and sinking barges filled with rocks to create a dike and redirect water flow towards the plant. Although these measures raised water levels by 4cm, a state water management agency forecasted that the Danube's level at Romania's entry point would remain low for the next seven days.

The agency recommended authorities continue dredging the river bed to ensure water flows towards the Cernavoda plant. Romania's government has allocated extra funds for dredging works and declared a state of energy emergency throughout August, urging companies and households to reduce evening power consumption. The country relies on gas, coal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable sources for electricity, but needs significant investments to replace aging facilities and improve its energy infrastructure.