Romania Uses Explosion to Boost Danube Flow for Nuclear Plant Cooling

Romanian naval forces have carried out a controlled underwater explosion in the Danube River's bed to raise water levels in one of its branches. This unusual operation is critical for ensuring the cooling water supply to Cernavoda, Romania's only nuclear power plant.

The operation involved divers and engineering specialists who detonated a powerful explosive charge. Their goal was to redirect the river's flow towards the nuclear facility. Authorities explained that an exceptionally large rock formation was obstructing the Danube's course, preventing adequate water from reaching Cernavoda.

This dramatic intervention comes as the Danube experiences historically low levels due to extreme heat and drought. These conditions are jeopardizing nuclear power production not only in Romania but also in Hungary. Nuclear plants like Cernavoda and Paks rely on the river for cooling and have already been forced to significantly reduce their output or shut down reactors.

While Bulgaria reports its Kozloduy nuclear plant continues to operate at full capacity, the broader issue highlights the vulnerability of nuclear energy to climate change. Nuclear power plants typically return most of the water they draw from rivers, but they discharge it at a higher temperature. When river levels are low and water temperatures are high, operators face reduced flexibility and must curtail production or halt reactors to maintain sufficient flow or comply with environmental limits.