Romania Initiates Controlled Shutdown of Cernavoda Plant's Second Reactor Amid Low Danube Levels
Romania began a controlled shutdown of the second reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant because the Danube River's water level fell below the minimum required for cooling, with the government saying electricity supply will be covered by other sources.
Romania started a controlled shutdown of Unit 2 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant on Thursday, citing a continued drop in the Danube River’s water level, which is essential for cooling the reactors. The plant, which provides roughly one-fifth of the nation’s electricity when both units operate, had already taken its first reactor offline in late July for the same reason.
"The decision to carry out a controlled shutdown of Unit 2 was determined by the continued significant decrease in the level of the Danube River," Nuclearelectrica, the plant operator, said in a statement to the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
The Ministry of Energy indicated that electricity demand would be met through alternative generation and imports, assuring that the shutdown would not compromise the overall power supply.
Earlier attempts to raise water levels included sinking four rock-laden barges near the Danube’s Bala Canal and using explosives to redirect flow toward the plant, but the river’s level remained insufficient.
"Maintaining both units in a safe shutdown state has no impact on nuclear safety parameters, including personnel, the environment and the population," Nuclearelectrica added.