Romania alters the Danube's flow to keep the nuclear power plant running
Romanian military and engineers are trying to redirect part of the Danube's water to the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, whose operation is threatened by the river's record low level. The operation takes place against the backdrop of an energy crisis: the country has already shut down one of its two reactors, imposed a 30-day energy alert, and is discussing emergency aid from Ukraine.
Experts decided to demolish the submerged Pîrjoaia rock, which obstructs the water from flowing in the needed direction near the Bala - Old Danube junction. The first two test explosions did not shatter the rock, as it proved stronger than expected. Divers will assess the results, after which the operation will continue on August 3 with gradually increasing charge power.
In addition to blasting the rock, the government approved the placement of metal barges to temporarily redistribute the water flow. Seven million lei were allocated from the reserve fund for the works, equipment, transport, and monitoring.
The intervention is necessary to maintain the operation of the second unit at the Cernavodă NPP. It provides about 10% of Romania’s electricity consumption. Nuclearelectrica has already warned counterparties about possible force majeure circumstances.
The first unit of the plant, with a capacity of about 700 MW, was shut down in a controlled manner on July 28. The cause was the unprecedented low level of the Danube due to prolonged drought. The shutdown was called preventive – it posed no threat to personnel, the public, or nuclear safety.
Earlier, KURS Ukraine reported that the reactor shutdown caused Romania to lose a significant part of its nuclear generation, and the electricity deficit began to pressure wholesale prices.
The National Committee for Emergency Situations declared a 30-day energy alert in Romania. The Ministry of Energy is negotiating with large industrial consumers, proposing that they voluntarily shift production from evening hours to periods of lower demand.
In the event of a severe deficit, legislation allows temporary disconnection of large enterprises. Authorities emphasize that they are trying to avoid such a scenario, as forced restrictions could halt technological processes and cause losses to companies.
All available gas and coal-fired power plants were recommended to operate at maximum capacity. Hydroelectric plants should conserve water for increased generation during evening hours. The regulator and grid operator also accelerated the connection of new assets: in recent days, more than 400 MW of capacity have been approved, about one-third of which are energy storage systems.
Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan discussed possible electricity supply with First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. Romanian companies Transelectrica and Nuclearelectrica are to conduct negotiations for emergency aid during evening hours when the system's deficit is greatest.
The low level of the Danube has also created problems for Hungary. Fresher data indicate that the situation at the Paks NPP has worsened: after phased output reduction, the plant, which provides about 40% of Hungary's electricity, was completely shut down. Hungarian authorities are also preparing to restrict consumption by large industrial enterprises.
