Drought on Danube forces Romania to shut nuclear plant as Hungary races to build dam
Record-low water levels on the Danube have forced Romania to fully shut down its only nuclear power plant, while Hungary rushes to build a temporary dam to protect its Paks facility from a similar fate.
Romania shut down its sole nuclear power plant at Cernavoda on Thursday after the Danube River, its only source of cooling water, hit record-low levels amid a severe drought. The plant normally supplies about one-fifth of Romania's electricity. This marks only the second such full shutdown in the plant's history, the first having occurred in 2023, also due to drought.
Operator Nuclearelectrica had already shut one of the plant's two reactors last month, but was forced to close the second on Thursday. Plant director Romeo Urjan said a restart is not expected within the next 10 days.
Failed attempts to save the situation
Earlier this month, the Romanian Navy assisted in efforts to keep the plant running, including blowing up a rocky outcrop exposed by low water and repositioning the rubble on the riverbed to funnel more water toward the plant. Despite these efforts, persistent dry weather ultimately made the measures insufficient.
Romania's Energy Ministry said it is seeking alternative power sources, including wind energy and imports, and urged the public to conserve electricity. As a last resort, restrictions on large industrial consumers during evening hours are being considered. Carmakers Ford and Dacia have already agreed to pause production until August 19 to save power.
Hungary builds dam to protect Paks plant
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar visited the country's only nuclear plant, Paks, on Thursday. Located roughly 100 kilometers south of Budapest, it is also cooled by the Danube. He announced that construction had begun on a permanent low weir intended to raise the river's water level.
Only one of Paks' four reactors is currently operating. Nine days ago, the plant faced a full shutdown, but this was averted at the last moment when water levels came in a few millimeters higher than forecast. Under normal conditions, Paks generates about half of Hungary's electricity and covers roughly a third of national consumption.
Until the weir is finished, authorities plan to sink two 80-meter barges end-to-end across the river to create an initial damming effect. Magyar said soldiers are working around the clock and the project should be completed within about four weeks, raising water levels in front of the plant's cooling system by more than a meter.
