Romania fights for its nuclear power plant; Hungary reactivates all reactors

Romania has completely shut down its sole nuclear power plant, Nuclearelectrica in Cernavodă, because of historically low water levels in the Danube River. The dwindling water supply posed a threat to the cooling systems essential for the plant's operation.

The Romanian National Committee for Emergency Situations has approved emergency measures to address the crisis. These actions include plans to deepen the Danube riverbed near the power station and construct a spur to redirect water towards the plant's cooling intakes. Additionally, the hydroelectric operator Hidroelectrica has begun releasing water from reservoirs on the Olt River to supplement the Danube's flow and generate extra electricity over five days.

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The Romanian National Committee for Emergency Situations has approved new measures aimed at raising the water level in the Danube and ensuring the cooling of the Nuclearelectrica nuclear power plant in Cernavodă.

High-capacity pumps are also being deployed to maintain the necessary water levels for the plant's operation. The success of these measures will determine if even one reactor can be restarted, as bringing a nuclear facility online is a complex and time-consuming process. The nuclear plant produces one-fifth of Romania's energy needs, and prolonged heatwaves have also impacted hydroelectric power generation.

Meanwhile, Hungary is bringing all reactors back online at its Paks nuclear power plant, which also relies on Danube water. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that the plant, responsible for half of Hungary's electricity, would return to full capacity soon. The Paks plant had temporarily shut down three blocks due to insufficient water for cooling. Recent work, including the construction of a dam and the submersion of two barges, has reportedly raised the Danube's water level by 15 cm, allowing for the reactivation of the turbines.

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The Paks nuclear power plant avoided a complete shutdown.