Romania Imports Electricity from Ukraine After Drought Forces Reactor Shutdown
A drought-induced drop in Danube water levels forced the shutdown of the Cernavodă nuclear plant's first unit, prompting Romania to import electricity from Ukraine. Ukrainian exports remain conditional on surplus, and in May they increased 2.8-fold.
Romania's Nuclearelectrica has started importing electricity from Ukraine to cover a shortfall caused by the shutdown of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The reactor was taken offline due to exceptionally low water levels in the River Danube, resulting from drought. The company has warned that the stability of Romania's power system is at risk.
The move comes after Ukraine resumed electricity exports in March, following a break of nearly four months. Exports are only permitted during periods when Ukraine's power system generates surplus electricity. In May, Ukraine increased its electricity exports by 2.8 times.
Water levels in the Danube continue to fall, and the river may become unnavigable in Serbia. Passenger river transport has already been suspended. This situation affects not only energy supply but also transportation and the broader regional economy.
