Romania to shut second nuclear reactor over low Danube

Romania will shut down its second nuclear reactor because of low water levels in the Danube, the energy ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said Unit 2 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant would be shut down in a controlled way on Thursday, July 30, starting at 10:00 am local time. Unit 1 had already been shut down for the same reason.

The two reactors, run by Romania's national nuclear energy company Nuclearelectrica, rely on Danube water for cooling. Nuclearelectrica said the shutdowns were being carried out under plant procedures for severe drought.

Local media reported that this is the first time both reactors have been shut down at the same time because of low Danube levels.

The Danube has dropped to record low levels in some areas after prolonged rain shortages and repeated heatwaves since May. Hungary has also reduced nuclear output because of the river's low water levels.

Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said Romania would cover the energy shortfall by increasing output from gas-fired power plants and through imports, especially during evening peak demand. He urged citizens and large consumers to be mindful of electricity use in the evening, when he said the country faces an energy shortage.