Romania shuts nuclear plant, Hungary dams dry Danube River

Romania has shut down its sole nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, amid a severe drought that has caused record low water levels on the Danube River, which provides the plant's cooling water. This marks the second shutdown of the plant in just over a year, both due to drought conditions. The Danube River is the only source of cooling water for the nuclear plant, which typically generates about 20% of Romania's electricity.

The last shutdown occurred in June 2023 due to similar drought conditions. Meanwhile, in Hungary, efforts are underway to prevent the Paks nuclear power plant from shutting down completely. The Danube River is also crucial for cooling at Paks, which contributes roughly half of Hungary's electricity generation. Prime Minister Peter Magyar visited Paks, where construction of a low weir to raise the water level is underway.

The weir, consisting of two 80-meter-long barges, is expected to raise the water level by over a meter, boosting the plant's cooling capacity. Despite these efforts, the plant remains at a fraction of its normal capacity, and Prime Minister Magyar urged the public to conserve electricity, with large industrial users facing potential evening restrictions if necessary.