Romanian Army successfully detonates Danube rock formation, averting power plant shutdown

The Romanian Army has achieved its objective in removing a significant portion of the Pârjoaia rock formation, a critical step in preventing the shutdown of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. Defense Minister Radu Miruță confirmed the success of the operation on Monday, stating that approximately 180 kilograms of explosives were used after a test the previous day.

“

Yesterday the Romanian Army tested to see what quantity of explosives was necessary, and today's action was a success.

Scuba divers verified that about four meters of the rock had been removed, exceeding initial expectations. The next phase involves extracting the dislodged fragments and continuing dredging work. The successful clearing of the blockage is vital not only for the power plant's water supply but also for navigation on the Danube and easing dredging in the Old Danube arm.

Miruță emphasized the urgency, noting that the Cernavodă plant could have been forced to stop operations by Wednesday or Thursday due to the Danube's historically low water levels. "Every day it continues to operate from Wednesday onwards is a gain," he stated, highlighting the pressure on the energy system. The government has declared a state of energy alert.

“

Wednesday, Thursday at the earliest, the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant would have been stopped. Any day it continues to operate from Wednesday onwards is a gain.

The operation comes as the Danube River experiences one of its lowest levels in decades, threatening the functionality of the Cernavodă plant. Reactor 1 has already been shut down, with a risk of Reactor 2 also being disconnected.

“

What has been achieved is necessary for navigation. Today's success, for which the Army was responsible, is important.