Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant has taken its 1,000 MW unit 6 offline for annual maintenance until the end of November. The reduction in available generation comes as low Danube levels continue to constrain the remaining reactor.
Unit 6 was disconnected on 8 October. The outage includes preventive inspections, maintenance of reactor systems and other equipment, and the loading of fresh nuclear fuel.
Kozloduy unit 5 output linked to river and cooling conditions
During the afternoon, unit 5 was operating at approximately 917 MW gross. Available output depends on river conditions and cooling-water access.
Kozloduy has reduced production several times in recent months as falling Danube levels led to precautionary restrictions at both reactors.
Maintenance timing intersects with elevated regional power prices
The unit 6 maintenance outage removes a major source of generation during a period of elevated regional electricity prices. Bulgaria’s day-ahead average for 9 October delivery reached €241.49/MWh, up €33.1/MWh from the previous day.
The increase also reflected broader regional supply conditions. For electricity buyers and traders, the immediate issue is the overlap between scheduled maintenance and continuing water constraints, with further reductions at unit 5 potentially increasing pressure on Bulgaria’s replacement supply requirements until unit 6 returns.
