Bulgaria’s authorities are preparing additional measures for generation at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant as exceptionally low Danube water levels raise concerns about cooling-water availability. The plant has continued operating according to its planned production schedule. Technical teams are reviewing options to secure adequate water supplies if river levels fall further.
Cooling-water preparations for Kozloduy operations
Work is focused on the plant’s riverside pumping station. Specialists are assessing ways to improve pump performance and reinforce associated hydraulic infrastructure to keep sufficient water reaching the site under more difficult hydrological conditions. Cooling arrangements for the operating reactor units and spent-fuel storage are also being monitored.
Plant personnel are considering preventive measures that could be activated if existing water-supply arrangements become insufficient. The Bulgarian Energy Ministry has set up a dedicated task force to coordinate the institutions involved and support Kozloduy’s technical teams. Additional contingency measures are being prepared in advance to enable faster implementation if Danube conditions deteriorate.
Regional power-market implications and cross-border discussions
The situation has implications beyond Bulgaria because Kozloduy is the country’s largest electricity producer. It is also described as one of southeast Europe’s most important sources of nuclear baseload generation. Any material reduction in output would affect Bulgaria’s domestic balance and could reduce electricity available for export to neighbouring systems.
Bulgaria remained a significant regional exporter during 2026, and Kozloduy’s availability is considered important during periods of elevated summer consumption. Authorities are discussing the hydrological situation with neighbouring countries and European institutions. The immediate issue remains operational rather than a confirmed loss of production, with scheduled generation continuing at the plant.
Low river levels can affect hydroelectric output directly, while sustained drought can constrain power stations that depend on rivers for cooling. That makes prolonged low-Danube conditions a regional electricity-market variable rather than only a Bulgarian operational concern.
