Drought in Europe reaches dangerous levels: Another energy crisis looms

Romania has declared a nationwide state of emergency as a prolonged drought drastically reduces water flow in the Danube and other rivers, severely impacting electricity generation. One reactor at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant has been halted, with a risk that a second unit may also be shut down, potentially cutting Romania's electricity production capacity by 20%.

To ensure the safe operation of the second reactor, a branch of the Danube has been diverted to the plant. This involves complex engineering efforts, including blasting a rock formation and deepening the riverbed, to maintain sufficient water supply. The Danube's flow has dropped to nearly historic lows recorded in 1985.

“

Due to the further decreasing water level of the Danube, at 1:30 AM one of the two last operating energy production units of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant will be stopped.

The Romanian government has allocated 7 million lei (approximately 1.3 million euros) for immediate measures. Major car manufacturers Dacia and Ford have voluntarily suspended production from August 3 to 19 to help reduce national electricity consumption. While mandatory restrictions have not been imposed, recommendations have been issued to large electricity consumers.

Other European nations are also grappling with similar issues. Serbia has reduced electricity production at its hydroelectric power plants, with Djerdap I and Djerdap II operating at significantly reduced capacities. Hungary's sole nuclear power plant, Paks, is set to halt one of its two operational units due to low Danube water levels and high temperatures, drastically reducing its power output. Austria's hydropower sector is also affected by record-low water levels in the Danube.

“

As a result, the plant's capacity will be reduced to just 240 megawatts, and tomorrow it will be completely shut down for the first time in 44 years.