Drought forces unprecedented measures as falling river levels threaten energy production
Romania carried out an unprecedented operation on Monday to protect its only operational nuclear reactor by redirecting cooling water from the drought-hit Danube River.
The country used controlled explosives to remove a rock formation and help redirect water toward the channel supplying the Cernavoda nuclear plant. The emergency measure highlights the growing impact of extreme drought conditions on energy infrastructure across Central Europe.
In neighboring Hungary, authorities also warned that falling Danube water levels could force reductions at the country’s only nuclear power plant, which relies on the river for cooling.
Romania takes emergency action to maintain nuclear operations
Romania’s state-owned nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica, which typically provides around one-fifth of the country’s electricity, was forced to shut down one of its two reactors last week after water levels in the Danube dropped significantly.
The controlled explosion on Monday sent water and debris into the air as authorities cleared the way for a temporary dam designed to redirect additional water toward the river channel supplying the remaining operational reactor at Cernavoda.
The Romanian navy said the construction work was expected to be completed by Wednesday.
Defence Minister Radu Miruta said keeping the nuclear plant operating beyond that point would provide a major benefit, given the importance of nuclear generation to the country’s electricity supply.
Romania asks companies to reduce energy consumption
The Romanian government has called on households and businesses to reduce electricity usage as drought conditions continue to put pressure on the national grid.
Automotive factories operated by Renault-owned Dacia and Ford in Romania agreed to temporarily halt production until August 19, reducing electricity consumption by approximately 200 megawatts.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said drought-related challenges were being intensified by limited electricity connections with Central and Western Europe, restricting the country’s ability to increase imports.
Hungary receives temporary relief at Paks nuclear plant
Further upstream, Hungary received a short-term reprieve as officials said the Paks nuclear power plant could continue operating at reduced capacity for several more days.
The 2-gigawatt facility normally produces around half of Hungary’s electricity, but output had fallen to just over 10% of capacity after the Danube reached record-low levels.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said the plant’s remaining turbine could continue producing around 240 megawatts, helping avoid a complete shutdown during a period of high electricity demand.
He later said forecasts for Danube water levels had become slightly more favorable, while voluntary reductions in electricity use by households and companies had lowered demand by approximately 700 megawatts.
Businesses cut power use amid energy pressures
Companies across the region are also taking steps to reduce electricity consumption as governments attempt to stabilize energy supplies.
Hungarian pharmaceutical company Richter announced that it would cut electricity consumption by more than 50% over the next three weeks. The company also offered up to 4 megawatts of daily electricity generated from its solar energy facilities.
The ongoing drought affecting the Danube demonstrates how climate-related challenges are increasingly affecting critical infrastructure, energy security, and industrial activity across Europe.
