Danube Drought Threatens Romanian Nuclear Plant

Romanian authorities began sinking four rock-filled barges into the Danube on Thursday to create a temporary barrier and divert more water toward the only operational reactor at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

Record-low water levels in the Danube, which supplies cooling water to the plant, have already forced the operator to shut down one of its two reactors. Earlier efforts to blast away a rocky outcrop and deepen the riverbed bought the plant more time, but officials warn that if the latest measure fails, the remaining reactor could be shut down within five to six days. If the barrier succeeds in increasing the water flow, operations could continue for another nine to 10 days.

The Danube's flow in Romania has fallen to a record low of 1,400 cubic meters per second, about one-third of the seasonal average for August. The two reactors at the Cernavoda plant normally generate about one-fifth of Romania's electricity.

The drought is also reducing hydroelectric power generation and limiting electricity imports, as neighboring countries face similar conditions. ING Bank warned that the emergency measures can only provide temporary relief and cannot replace long-term investment in new generating capacity, cross-border electricity interconnections and energy storage.

(Reuters, bak)