Full Breakdown
Romania Shuts Second Cernavoda Reactor as Danube Levels Hit Decades-Low
7/30/2026, 8:21:49 PM
Core Event
On July 29, Romania’s energy ministry announced that the country will shut down its second 706-megawatt Cernavoda nuclear reactor on the Danube River, three days after a first reactor was taken offline because of historically low water levels. The second shutdown is scheduled for early Thursday, marking the first time both reactors have been disconnected simultaneously due to river conditions.
Background & Context
The Danube’s flow at the Romanian entry point fell to 1,650 cubic metres per second on Tuesday, far below the July average range of 4,750 cubic metres per second. The state water-management agency projects the flow could drop to 1,500 cubic metres per second on August 4, approaching the all-time low of 1,400 cubic metres per second recorded in 1985. Similar low-water pressures have already forced Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant to shut down one of its four reactors.
Data & Statistics
- Each Cernavoda reactor supplies roughly 706 MW, together accounting for about one-fifth of Romania’s electricity generation.
- The energy ministry estimated peak power consumption this week at 7.3 GW, while domestic production reached up to 4.3 GW before the second shutdown; average production normally sits near 7 GW.
- The average peak temperature across Western Europe on Wednesday was forecast at 31 °C (87.8 °F), 7.4 °C above the typical July high, intensifying air-conditioning demand.
Official Statements & Responses
The energy ministry indicated that the second reactor’s shutdown will increase Romania’s reliance on electricity imports and add pressure to power prices already elevated by heat-wave conditions. The water-management agency’s flow forecasts underpin the decision, highlighting the link between river levels and reactor cooling requirements.
Impact and Outlook
With both reactors offline, Romania faces heightened import needs and potential price spikes as heat-driven demand climbs. Continued low Danube levels could force further restrictions on nuclear output, prompting authorities to monitor river flows closely and assess additional mitigation measures throughout the summer.
