Romania Starts Shutting Down Sole Working Nuclear Reactor

Romania has initiated the shutdown of its sole operational nuclear reactor due to a severe drought impacting the Danube River. The Cernavoda power plant, located on the river, houses two 706-megawatt reactors, which together produce a fifth of the country's electricity. In response to the energy emergency declared across Romania for August, the government has asked residents and businesses to cut back on electricity usage during peak evening hours.

The Energy Ministry has also activated a 330-megawatt lignite-fired power plant and is counting on wind and hydro power, contingent on available water in reservoirs, to compensate for the reduced output. The national power grid can import electricity equivalent to around 4,000 megawatts, and European operators are coordinating to ensure the stability of all grids affected by the weather conditions.

The Romanian government has devised a phased plan to reduce power for industrial consumers, if necessary, providing advance warning. Prior to any shutdown, the authorities had attempted to circumvent the need for reactor closure by constructing rock obstructions, dredging the riverbed, and placing rock-filled barges in the Danube to reroute the water flow.

The summer has witnessed record-breaking heat and devastating wildfires across Europe, straining power supplies, shipping, and public health systems. For Romania's neighbor, Moldova, the shutdown of the reactor presents significant challenges, as the country has already been experiencing low river levels and depends heavily on Romanian electricity to meet up to 60% of its power shortages.

With Romanian imports now inaccessible, Moldova may need to rely on Ukrainian power, purchase more expensive energy from Western nations, or implement rolling blackouts. Moldovan energy expert Sergiu Tofilat cautioned that the situation could worsen, potentially leading to power outages, although the exact outcome remains uncertain.