Romania is taking emergency measures to divert more Danube water towards the Cernavoda nuclear power plant as severe drought threatens to force the shutdown of its remaining operating reactor, while the government has declared a nationwide state of alert in the energy system for August and is seeking emergency electricity imports from Ukraine.

The Cernavoda plant was initially expected to shut down both of its 680 MW reactors because of the exceptionally low Danube level and the resulting constraints on cooling water. Unit 1 was shut down on July 28, but Unit 2 remained online after operating parameters were found to allow its temporary continued operation. A full shutdown would remove about 20% of Romania’s electricity production capacity during peak hours.

The government declared a nationwide state of alert in the energy system on July 31 for the entire month of August, citing severe drought and very low water levels in the Danube and other rivers. Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who also holds the interim energy portfolio, said in a broadcast press conference that the situation remained critical and warned that Unit 2 could still be forced offline.

Bolojan said Romania had discussed emergency electricity imports with Ukraine, including possible supplies from one of the country's nuclear power plants. “Today I discussed with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, who also holds the Energy portfolio, Mr. Shmîgal, to support us in the coming period with production from one of Ukraine's nuclear power plants,” Bolojan said. Romania's Transelectrica and Nuclearelectrica are to discuss emergency supplies for the evening hours.

Energy Ministry State Secretary Cristian Bușoi, cited by B1 TV, said the critical period for the energy system could last until around August 15. He said household consumers would not be affected, but large industrial users could be asked to temporarily reduce consumption during peak hours if pressure on the system increases.

Emergency works on the Danube

Romania’s Naval Forces on August 2 attempted to remove a large rock from the Danube’s right bank to redirect more water towards Cernavoda. Two controlled explosions failed to break the rock, and the Ministry of Defence said the operation would resume on August 3 using a larger quantity of explosives.

“At this moment, the Ministry of National Defence is intervening with over 100 soldiers and 16 technical means to divert the course of the Danube towards the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant,” the ministry said.

Authorities also plan to obstruct the Bala Arm, another Danube channel, by controlled sinking of four barges carrying about 500 tonnes of stone. The measure is intended to redirect more water towards the Old Danube channel passing by Cernavoda. Dredging works are also planned on the channel supplying cooling water to the nuclear plant.

Experts expect low Danube water levels to continue threatening Cernavoda’s operations at least until mid-August.