Romania Shuts Second Cernavoda Reactor As Danube Levels Plunge

Romania began a controlled shutdown of Unit 2 at the Cernavoda nuclear plant on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after plunging Danube River levels forced operators to take the reactor offline, raising near-term power-supply concerns.^[1] Operators said the move was precautionary and that safety systems remain in place.^[1]

Unit 1 at Cernavoda was already shut in late July, leaving the two-reactor site fully idled while low river flows persist.^[1] The plant normally supplies about 20 percent of Romania's electricity.^[1] Romania's Energy Ministry said national demand will be met with alternative domestic sources and imports while both reactors remain safely shut.^[1]

Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared a nationwide energy state of alert on July 31, 2026, for the month of August as the government sought ways to protect the plant's cooling-water supply.^[1] Authorities blasted rock formations and sank four rock-filled barges near the Bala Canal to try to redirect Danube water toward Cernavoda.^[1]

Officials said the shutdowns are controlled and there have been no safety breaches at the plant.^[1] They did not give firm restart dates and said river levels will determine when operations can safely resume.^[1]

1. PBS