Romania has extended special electricity emergency measures until 30 September due to prolonged problems at the Cernavoda nuclear plant. The extended outage period is increasing reliance on imports and thermal generation. The measures are intended to address supply conditions while the nuclear plant remains affected.
Nuclear availability affected by Danube conditions
Low Danube levels have prevented normal nuclear availability, removing a major source of low-variable-cost baseload generation. With that capacity unavailable, Romania’s supply mix has shifted toward imported electricity and thermal generation. The change affects how the system balances across the month.
September demand and renewables outlook
The September balance could tighten further if weaker wind and solar output coincides with continued high temperatures. Elevated peak demand would add pressure during periods when variable generation is lower. This combination would influence system needs for additional supply.
Import sourcing and regional exchange constraints
Romania has increased reliance on neighbouring systems to compensate for the nuclear shortfall. Nuclearelectrica has sourced electricity of Ukrainian origin through Moldova’s Energocom, and authorities have also explored additional access to Ukrainian nuclear generation. Imports are not risk-free in this setting.
Romanian authorities are concerned that further damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure could reduce regional export availability at the same time Romania requires additional electricity. The emergency framework allows generators capable of switching fuels to maintain additional reserves. It also permits units held in technical reserve to return to operation.
Authorities can reduce export-oriented interconnection capacity or scheduled cross-border exchanges if security of supply deteriorates. Industrial demand curtailment remains a last-resort option. The measures also add another source of uncertainty for SEE cross-border trading.
Implications for regional market liquidity
Romania is normally an important regional generation and transit market. A prolonged domestic deficit could increase competition for imports from Hungary, Bulgaria and Serbia. It could also reduce available export liquidity during already-expensive evening periods.
Until Danube conditions improve and Cernavoda capacity returns, Romanian availability remains one of the most important fundamental risks for September SEE power prices .
