European Nuclear Plants Face Shutdowns Amid Severe Drought and Low River Levels

Drought and heatwaves across Europe are severely impacting nuclear power generation, forcing shutdowns and production cuts. Rivers like the Danube have reached record low levels, critically affecting the cooling systems essential for nuclear reactors.

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Nuclear power plants are shut down – the same as reactors in France, writes Deutsche Welle (DW).

Hungary and Romania have completely shut down their nuclear power plants. In Romania, the Cernavoda plant, which supplies a fifth of the country's electricity, has had both its reactors taken offline due to "difficult, dry conditions." Hungary's Paks nuclear plant, crucial for its power supply, is also phasing out all four of its reactors because of insufficient cooling water from the Danube.

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The first reactor was shut down a few days ago, and the second one now.

France, heavily reliant on nuclear energy, is also facing challenges. One of its reactors at the Golfech plant was shut down due to cooling water problems. In Serbia, while the situation is currently stable, authorities are urging energy conservation as hydropower production at the Djerdap plant has seen its lowest output since its operation began. Austria's numerous hydroelectric plants are also running at reduced capacity, some by as much as 50%, or have closed entirely.

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The country is now using reserves and organizing imports.

The widespread impact highlights the vulnerability of energy infrastructure to climate change and extreme weather events. The reduced output from nuclear and hydroelectric sources, coupled with increased demand during heatwaves, is straining energy supplies across the region and prompting calls for energy saving measures.

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The situation remains challenging when it comes to the water level of the Danube.