Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear plant is expected to stay fully unavailable until at least 15 October, extending the country’s reliance on imported electricity. The situation is linked to low Danube levels that constrain domestic generation. Both reactors are currently offline, taking about 1,360 MW of capacity out of the system. Together, the two units normally supply close to 20% of Romania’s electricity consumption.
Reactor outages and timeline for potential restart
Unit 1 was taken out of service in July due to low river levels. A controlled shutdown of unit 2 followed in early August. Energy Ministry State Secretary Cristian Bușoi said water conditions near the plant are exceptionally difficult. Forecasts indicate continued low flows, with any restart dependent on sufficient recovery to support safe operation.
Market impact from replacement generation and weak hydro output
Authorities do not currently expect restrictions on electricity supplies to consumers. The immediate impact is financial, as replacement generation and imports increase the cost of meeting demand. Hydro output is also described as weak alongside the nuclear outage.
Romania’s day-ahead electricity price for 9 October delivery rose by €45.8/MWh to €255.20/MWh. The level places the market among the most expensive in the region.
Conditional mid-October horizon for procurement planning
The mid-October outlook remains conditional, depending on whether river conditions improve enough for reactors to return. Until that happens, buyers face uncertainty over both replacement volumes and procurement costs. This uncertainty is tied to continued low flows affecting operational readiness at the plant.
