Romania shuts nuclear plant, Hungary dams dry Danube River
Romania has shut down its only nuclear plant in a rare move prompted by the lack of cooling water from the Danube River. Hungary, meanwhile, is racing to dam the Danube, trying to keep its Paks plant online.
Romania has shut down its sole nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, due to a severe drought that has caused record lows on the Danube River, its primary source of cooling water. The plant usually generates about one-fifth of Romania's electricity. This is only the second shutdown for the plant, the first occurring in 2023 during a hot summer and drought.
Hungary is also grappling with the drought, scrambling to keep its Paks nuclear power plant operational. The Paks plant, which is currently running at minimal levels, is cooled by the Danube and generates around half of Hungary's electricity. Hungary is constructing a low weir to raise the Danube's water level, which should be completed within four weeks.
In the meantime, both Romania and Hungary are seeking alternative power sources and urging responsible energy consumption.
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- Romania shuts only nuclear plant as heat causes huge drop in Danube River level kahawatungu.com
- Nero’s Bridge emerges from Tiber River as Rome faces water crisis apnews.com
- Romania shuts down nuclear plant due to low level of drought-hit Danube rfi.fr
- Romania begins shutdown of nuclear plant's 2nd reactor amid low water levels on Danube River pbs.org
- Romania Shuts Nuclear Reactor on Danube as Power Crisis Deepens balkaninsight.com
- Low Danube Water Levels Force Shutdown of Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Plant en.tempo.co
- Romania shuts only nuclear plant as heat causes huge drop in Danube River level bbc.co.uk
- Falling Danube flow forces shutdown of Romania’s sole nuclear plant aljazeera.com
