Drought crisis at Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant threatens Romania's energy system

Nuclearelectrica has decided to keep Unit 2 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant operational, at least for now, following a new technical assessment. This decision maintains one of Romania's most significant energy production sources online but does not resolve the underlying issue: the Danube River's flow continues to decrease, nearing a historic low recorded in 1985.

The company warns that the reactor could be shut down at any moment if operating conditions are no longer safe. Specialists consulted by "Adevărul" describe the situation as one of the most challenging tests for the Romanian energy system in decades. Potential consequences range from increased electricity imports to price pressures if the drought persists.

This announcement comes just a day after the company informed the market that Unit 2 was scheduled for disconnection. The continuous drop in the Danube's flow, the primary water source for cooling the Cernavodă facilities, prompted the initial plan. However, overnight, plant specialists re-evaluated operating parameters and equipment status, concluding that the reactor could continue producing energy safely for the time being.

The decision remains temporary and is entirely dependent on the Danube's water level. Nuclearelectrica stated it is making every effort to continue operating safely and contribute to the National Energy System's stability. "Given both the current situation and the hydrological forecasts regarding the Danube's level, the shutdown of Unit 2 may be necessary at any moment, depending heavily on the negative fluctuations and their effects on the plant's systems," the company communicated.

Even with Unit 2 connected, the plant is operating at half capacity. Unit 1 has been offline since Tuesday and will only be reactivated once hydrological conditions permit safe operation. The current decision merely postpones the risk to the energy system. If the Danube's flow continues to decline, Romania could temporarily lose its last operating nuclear unit.

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Nuclearelectrica depune toate eforturile posibile pentru a continua operarea în condiții de maximă siguranță și pentru a contribui la stabilitatea Sistemului Energetic Național, analizând și monitorizând continuu toți parametrii care ar putea scădea până la niveluri minime, fără a afecta operarea în siguranță a instalațiilor. Având în vedere atât situația actuală, precum și prognozele hidrologice referitoare la nivelul Dunării, oprirea Unității 2 poate fi necesară în orice moment, depinzând foarte mult de fluctuațiile negative care apar și de efectele acestora asupra sistemelor centralei