ROMANIA: Cernavodă Reactor Shut Down as Drought Lowers Danube Flow
For a real head-scratcher, read through to the end where the former Energy Minister argues that, despite there evidently already not being sufficient water to continuously operate Cernavoda 1 and possibly 2, Romania should rethink a large hydro project because it could withdraw enough water flow in the Danube to reduce the availability of cooling water for the proposed Cernavoda 3 &4 reactor.
https://www.romaniajournal.ro/
Cernavodă Reactor Shut Down as Drought Lowers Danube Flow
By Romania Journal Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant shut down Reactor 1 in a controlled manner on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. due to the exceptionally low level of the Danube River caused by severe drought.
State-owned nuclear energy producer Nuclearelectrica said the measure is preventive and aimed at protecting the plant’s equipment. The company also warned that Reactor 2 could be shut down if water levels continue to decline.
The decision to disconnect Unit 1 was taken in accordance with operational procedures for severe drought conditions, following the latest forecasts issued by Romania’s National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA).
According to Nuclearelectrica, Reactor 1 will be reconnected to the National Energy System once operating conditions allow the safe resumption of activities, with the company set to announce the restart date.
However, the company warned that if the Danube’s water level continues to fall and operational parameters approach safety limits, it may also decide to shut down Reactor 2.
“If certain parameters associated with the low Danube water level approach the permitted operating limits, while fully complying with nuclear safety procedures and standards, the plant’s experts will implement the necessary operational measures to maintain safety margins, including the decision to shut down one or even both units if current conditions do not improve. Such measures are preventive and are intended to protect nuclear safety and the reliability of the facilities,” Nuclearelectrica said in a press release.
Energy Ministry: Imports will cover the production shortfall
On Monday evening, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who is also serving as interim Energy Minister, convened the National Energy Command at the headquarters of the National Energy Dispatcher to assess the situation of Romania’s power system.
According to the Energy Ministry, the Danube’s flow has dropped to approximately 1,630 cubic meters per second, prompting the shutdown of Reactor 1 to protect the plant’s three cooling pumps.
“The measure is preventive and necessary to safeguard the equipment associated with the three cooling pumps. A failure of any of these pumps would require complex repairs lasting several months and potentially up to one year,” the ministry stated.
Authorities estimate that Romania’s peak electricity demand this week will reach around 7,300 MW, while domestic production is expected to range between 4,000 MW and 4,300 MW. The resulting shortfall will be covered through electricity imports.
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The Energy Ministry emphasized that there is no risk to electricity supply for consumers and that household electricity prices will remain unchanged, as residential customers are covered by fixed-price contracts for this year.
The ministry also announced that an additional 324 MW of new energy capacity is expected to receive regulatory approval from the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) on Tuesday to enter commercial operation. Of this total, 176 MW consists of energy storage capacity, while 148 MW comes from new solar and wind power projects.
Another 990 MW of generating capacity is currently in the final stages of documentation, with ANRE approvals scheduled on a weekly basis.
Officials said energy sector operators are continuously monitoring the situation and remain ready to take all necessary measures to maintain the safety and stability of Romania’s National Energy System.
Former Energy Minister calls for caution over Iron Gates III project
Former Energy Minister Virgil Popescu said the shutdown of Reactor 1 due to the Danube’s low water level highlights how vulnerable Romania’s energy system can become in the face of changing hydrological conditions.
In this context, he argued that the proposed Iron Gates III (Đerdap III) hydropower project should only move forward after a comprehensive hydrological study assessing its impact on electricity generation and Romania’s irrigation system.
In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, Popescu stressed that water is a strategic resource for electricity production and warned that it must be managed with a long-term perspective.
“Water is one of the most important resources for electricity generation in Romania. If we fail to manage it responsibly and with a long-term vision, we risk facing serious challenges. The Danube’s low flow has already led to the controlled shutdown and disconnection of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, and the controlled shutdown of Unit 2 is also being considered. This situation demonstrates how vulnerable our energy system can become to hydrological changes,” he wrote.
Popescu added that before any decision is made on the Iron Gates III project, authorities should carefully evaluate its potential effects on Romania’s water resources and energy infrastructure.
“For this reason, I believe a cautious approach is essential regarding the Iron Gates III (Đerdap III) project. Before any decision is taken, a rigorous hydrological study must objectively assess the project’s impact on both the national energy system and the irrigation network. This is particularly important as Romania prepares to build Cernavodă Units 3 and 4, which will require sufficient water resources to ensure all four reactors operate safely and efficiently. We cannot afford to overlook critical issues that, without thorough analysis, could generate significant long-term consequences and costs. The way we manage our resources, protect our national interests, and prioritize investments must remain a top priority,” the former minister concluded.
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