Serbia urges electricity savings as low Danube water levels hit hydropower output

Belgrade, Serbia – Serbia's Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, has called on citizens to save electricity as critically low water levels on the Danube River severely limit hydropower generation. The country is experiencing its lowest electricity production at the Djerdap hydropower complex since its inception.

The warning comes amid a severe heatwave that is straining electricity grids across Europe. Neighboring countries like Hungary and Romania are also affected, with low Danube levels impacting water availability for cooling nuclear reactors, leading to temporary reductions in nuclear power generation. Serbia's Djerdap hydropower plants have also been forced to scale back production.

"The situation remains challenging when it comes to the Danube's water level. Djerdap 1 is operating at around 20 percent of its capacity, while Djerdap 2 is at about 30 percent. Inflows have fallen to just 1,500 cubic metres per second," Djedovic Handanovic told Serbia's public broadcaster RTS.

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The situation remains challenging when it comes to the Danube's water level. Djerdap 1 is operating at around 20 percent of its capacity, while Djerdap 2 is at about 30 percent. Inflows have fallen to just 1,500 cubic metres per second.

The heatwave has significantly increased electricity demand in Serbia, with daily consumption reaching between 100 and 105 gigawatt-hours. This is nearing the peak consumption levels typically seen during the coldest winter days, which usually range from 110 to 115 gigawatt-hours.

"I appeal to citizens to act responsibly and use electricity rationally so that we can all help overcome this period of drought and extreme heat as easily as possible," the minister urged.

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I appeal to citizens to act responsibly and use electricity rationally so that we can all help overcome this period of drought and extreme heat as easily as possible.