Romania faces energy crisis as drought threatens Cernavoda nuclear plant operation

Romania's state-owned operator Nuclearelectrica is considering a full shutdown of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant by August 13, 2026, due to critically low water levels in the Danube River. The plant, which supplies approximately 20% of the country's electricity, has already shut down one of its two operational reactors. Recent emergency efforts to divert water flow, including the use of explosives and sinking barges in the riverbed, provided only a marginal 4-centimeter increase in water levels, failing to stabilize the facility's intake systems.

The Romanian government has declared a state of emergency, urging citizens and businesses to restrict water consumption during peak evening hours throughout August. Authorities have prepared a contingency plan for phased power cuts targeting industrial consumers should the situation worsen. Officials continue to monitor the water levels closely while maintaining the restriction measures until conditions improve.