Romania sinks barges in Danube to boost water flow to Cernavodă nuclear plant

Authorities in Romania are taking an unusual step to ensure the continued operation of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant by sinking four barges in the Danube River. The operation, scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, aims to redirect more water towards the plant, which is crucial for its cooling system.

“

After 2 PM, the sinking of the barges is expected to take place. Until then, the last barge will be loaded.

The plan involves using the barges to create an additional barrier. This barrier will limit the water flow to the Bala arm of the river, thereby pushing more water towards the Old Danube and consequently to the Cernavodă area. This measure follows a controlled detonation of a rock formation by the Romanian Naval Forces on Monday, August 3, which involved over 100 soldiers and 16 technical means.

Specialists from Romanian Waters proposed the barge-sinking solution. The rock detonation successfully stabilized the Danube's water level at Cernavodă, initially halting a daily decrease of 2 cm and then causing a slight increase. Interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță reported that the water level at the nuclear plant was 2 cm higher than the previous day, attributing this gain to the previous day's operation. He praised the Romanian Waters National Administration (ANAR) for the solution, noting a net gain of at least 4 cm compared to the forecasted decrease.

“

The idea is to create an additional barrier that will limit the flow directed towards the Bala arm and push more water towards the Old Danube and, implicitly, towards the Cernavodă area.

The efforts underscore the critical importance of maintaining adequate water levels for the nuclear plant, especially during periods of low flow. The combined actions of rock removal and barge sinking are designed to guarantee a sufficient water supply, ensuring the plant's reliable electricity generation.

“

Good news: at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, the water level has increased by 2 cm compared to the previous day. Considering that the forecast indicated a decrease of 2 cm, we can say that yesterday's operation (Monday) brought a net gain of at least 4 cm. Congratulations, ANAR, for the solution.