Low Danube level forces Romania to shut down Cernavodă reactor
Nuclearelectrica said the second unit was taken offline on 13 August 2026 after a significant drop in the Danube’s level; the plant expected to stop feeding the national grid at about 11:00 local time.
On 13 August 2026 the Cernavodă nuclear power plant in Romania began a controlled shutdown of its second reactor after operators reported a continued, sharp fall in the Danube's water level. The move was announced by the plant operator, Nuclearelectrica, early on the morning of 13 August.
Nuclearelectrica said the plant was expected to stop supplying electricity to the national grid at about 11:00 local time. The decision affects only the second unit, which has been taken offline under company procedures.
Operator statement and safety monitoring
In its filing to the Bucharest Stock Exchange the company explained the rationale: "The decision for a controlled shutdown of the second unit was made because of the continuous and significant drop in the level of the Danube." The statement says the shutdown is being executed in accordance with prescribed procedures.
The operator emphasised that the process includes strict monitoring of safety margins and equipment, and that forecasts from the Romanian National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management for the coming days are being used to guide operations.
Grid operators and national authorities will monitor supply and may take measures to balance demand while the unit remains offline. Nuclearelectrica did not give a firm timeline for when the second reactor might be returned to service, saying forecasts of river levels will determine the next steps.
Photo: press material from the event
