Cernavoda nuclear power plant shuts down completely due to low water levels

Romania's Nuclearelectrica, the operator of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, has initiated a complete shutdown of its facilities as of August 13, 2026. The move follows a critical decline in the Danube River's water levels, which are essential for cooling the plant's reactors. While one reactor had already ceased operations in late July, the second and final active unit was taken offline to ensure safety. This is the first time the plant, which supplies 20% of the nation's electricity, has faced a total shutdown since a similar drought event in 2003.

To address the water scarcity, Romanian authorities had previously attempted to redirect flow by blasting riverbed rocks and sinking barges, providing only temporary relief. A state of emergency has been declared, with citizens urged to conserve water and electricity. The government has prepared contingency plans, including rolling power cuts for industrial consumers, while seeking to bridge the energy deficit through wind power and regional imports. No date for the plant's reactivation has been announced as authorities continue to monitor the ongoing drought conditions caused by persistent heatwaves across Europe.