Romania is preparing for a potential shutdown of Cernavoda nuclear power plant unit 2 after drought-driven declines in the Danube threaten the reactor’s cooling-water supply. Operator Nuclearelectrica has begun technical preparations for a controlled closure. The decision is described as dependent on river conditions, with forecasts pointing to a possible disconnection during the morning of 13 August.
Unit 1 is already unavailable. If unit 2 also shuts down, Romania would temporarily have no nuclear generation. The government said contingency measures are in place, including additional output from other domestic plants and higher imports to replace lost capacity and maintain system stability.
Danube discharge decline and force majeure declaration
Danube discharge at Romania’s entry point was about 1,600 cubic meters per second on Sunday. It was expected to fall to roughly 1,450 cubic meters per second by the end of the week. Nuclearelectrica declared force majeure under its electricity sales contracts, citing severe hydrological drought and insufficient cooling water.
Emergency river works to support cooling-water intake
Authorities have carried out emergency work on the river to improve flows toward the plant. The measures have included controlled explosions and preparations for further engineering interventions. The planned interventions are designed to divert more water into the Old Danube branch and toward Cernavoda’s intake.
The work is intended to prolong unit 2’s operation and make a restart easier if a shutdown becomes unavoidable. Generation would resume once river conditions again allow safe operation.
