Niedrigwasser: Rumänien schaltet AKW Cernavoda komplett ab

Low water levels in the Danube River have led Romania to fully shut down its Cernavoda nuclear power plant, according to the country's energy ministry, as reported by Mediafax. The shutdown includes both of the plant's reactors, following the shutdown of the first reactor block at the end of July due to insufficient cooling water.

The total shutdown is expected to be completed by around 10:00 AM CET. The Cernavoda nuclear power plant, located in eastern Romania along a Danube arm, typically generates 20 percent of Romania's electricity demand. It relies entirely on the river for its cooling water. In the worst-case scenario, power supply to large consumers from the industrial sector may be limited, a measure permitted by a recently issued government decree.

The measure does not affect the population. Recent reports suggest that Romania is negotiating with neighboring Ukraine and Bulgaria for electricity imports. Just a week ago, Romania attempted to increase water flow to Cernavoda by detonating a rock in the Danube, directing more water into the Danube arm that supplies the plant.

This diversion occurred at a confluence of two Danube arms, 50 kilometers upstream near the town of Izvoarele.