Romania halts nuclear plant as Danube hits record low amid European heatwave

Romania has disconnected its sole nuclear power plant from the national grid due to dangerously low water levels in the Danube River, a consequence of the prolonged heatwave affecting much of Europe. The Cernavodă facility, which normally supplies about 20% of the country's electricity, is not expected to resume operations within the next ten days.

The second of the plant's two 706-megawatt reactors was taken offline just before midday on Thursday, according to plant director Romeo Urjan, who told AFP that a restart is not anticipated in the near term. The first reactor had already been shut down in July. This marks only the second time the plant has been closed since it began operations in 2003.

Earlier in the week, authorities attempted to raise water levels near the plant by sinking barges loaded with rocks into the Danube, which serves as the plant's cooling source. The river has fallen to its lowest levels in three decades across several countries.

Neighboring Hungary has so far avoided a shutdown at its Paks nuclear plant, which also relies on Danube water for cooling, though officials there have warned that low levels could force a first-ever full closure.

Romania's power shortfall is being partially offset by solar and wind generation during hot, windy daytime hours, but evenings will require supplemental electricity from coal, gas, and imports. The country's substantial hydropower capacity has also been reduced by the same low river levels.

The broader European heatwave has triggered widespread impacts. France has placed up to 80 departments under heatwave alerts, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in some areas. The UK recorded its hottest day of the year on Thursday, with a provisional reading of 38.1°C in London's Kew Gardens. Wildfires have forced evacuations in Greece, and Spain has seen temperatures reach 37°C.

Climate experts note that Europe is warming faster than the global average, leading to more intense heatwaves, greater water stress, and increased wildfire risk. The Rhine River is also experiencing low levels, hampering shipping, while agricultural losses are mounting across the continent.

Source: BBC News