Dry Danube River Threatens Nuclear Power in Romania, Hungary

A severe drought gripping Central and Eastern Europe is threatening industrial output and power generation, with critically low river levels impacting crucial infrastructure. Romania's military undertook a risky operation to detonate a rocky outcrop in the Danube River, aiming to boost the flow of cooling water to the Cernavoda nuclear plant. The plant, which supplies about a fifth of Romania's electricity, relies entirely on the Danube for cooling.

“

The operation was a success.

Defense Minister Radu Miruta confirmed the operation's success, stating the debris would be sunk to help raise the water level. However, he warned that a complete shutdown of the nuclear plant by Thursday was possible if the partial diversion failed. In response to the energy crisis, automakers Dacia and Ford agreed to suspend production until August 19, with other energy-intensive industries expected to follow suit.

Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant, responsible for nearly half of the country's electricity, narrowly avoided a total shutdown. The plant was operating at just over 10% capacity. Prime Minister Peter Magyar urged industrial users to reduce consumption and households to conserve energy, while electric-powered freight trains were halted to ease the grid's load. Magyar noted that water management forecasts had become slightly more optimistic, offering a glimmer of hope.

“

We have entered the critical period. The network is stable, consumption is currently well below planned levels, thanks to self-restraint. The last Paks turbine is operational.

Serbia has also been significantly affected, with the Iron Gate hydroelectric plant on the Danube operating at only about one-fifth of its capacity. The ongoing hot and dry weather forecast offers little immediate relief, prolonging the crisis for the region.

“

water management forecasts for the coming days have become slightly more optimistic.