Romania declares energy alert as low Danube levels threaten nuclear plant

Romania has issued a national alert across its energy sector as critically low water levels in the Danube River pose a threat to the operation of the Cernavodă nuclear power plant. The country's acting Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, declared the alert on Friday, specifically highlighting concerns for the plant's second reactor.

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The plant's director also emphasized that when designing the nuclear power plant, the decrease in the Danube's water flow was taken into account, so the necessary scenarios are in place for it to operate safely and, if necessary, to shut down.

Romeo Urjan, the plant's director, sought to reassure the public by emphasizing that safety measures are robust. He stated that the plant's design accounted for potential decreases in the Danube's water flow, ensuring that necessary protocols are in place for safe operation, including the ability to shut down if required.

Urjan recalled a similar situation in 2003 when the plant, then operating with only one reactor, had to be temporarily shut down for a month due to low water levels. This historical context underscores the recurring nature of the challenge posed by the Danube's fluctuating water levels.

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The low water level of the Danube threatens the shutdown of the second reactor of the Cernavodă power plant.

In response to the potential energy crisis, citizens have been asked to voluntarily reduce their electricity consumption, particularly during peak evening hours. This appeal aims to mitigate the strain on the power grid while authorities manage the situation at the Cernavodă plant.

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He called on citizens to voluntarily limit their electricity consumption during the evening peak hours.