Bulgaria to Limit Kozloduy Nuclear Plant Output Amid Low Danube Water Levels

Bulgaria's Energy Ministry announced on Thursday that starting Friday it will limit the operations of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. The reason cited is the low water level in the Danube River, which serves as a source of cooling water for the plant.

Kozloduy is Bulgaria's largest power generation facility, and its operation is closely tied to the Danube's water resources, which are used to cool the plant's reactors. When the river's water level drops below a certain threshold, plant operators must reduce output to maintain safe and stable operation.

A regional issue

The announcement suggests Bulgaria is not alone in facing such difficulties, as other countries have also had to limit nuclear plant operations for similar reasons. Low water levels in the Danube affect several countries along the river basin where nuclear facilities rely on river water for cooling.

It remains unclear how long the restrictions will stay in place or by how much the plant's capacity will be reduced. Bulgarian authorities have not yet provided further details on how the situation might develop or its potential impact on the country's electricity supply.