Romania shuts down second nuclear reactor as Danube water levels plunge

Romanian operator Nuclearelectrica has begun shutting down the second reactor at the Cernavodă nuclear power station as water levels in the Danube River drop to critical lows. The move follows the shutdown of the plant's first reactor earlier, marking the first time both units at Romania's only nuclear facility have ceased operations simultaneously because of severe drought.

The Danube serves as the essential cooling source for Cernavodă. Dropping river levels have also impacted hydroelectric generation in Serbia and forced operational adjustments in Hungary. With regional temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, Romanian officials have called on the public to lower power consumption to prevent increased reliance on natural gas and costly imports.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, Point, Sweden Herald