Record-low Danube River affects tourism and industry as drought and heat grip Central Europe
Low river flow from drought and heat has forced reactor cuts, raising import needs and straining power prices across the region, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Romania's energy ministry announced the shutdown of the second nuclear reactor at Cernavoda, three days after low Danube levels forced closure of the first reactor operated by state-owned Nuclearelectrica.
- Water levels at the Romanian entry point of the Danube fell to 1,650 cubic metres per second on Tuesday, significantly below the July average range of 4,750 cubic metres per second, amid record-breaking heat across Western Europe.
- Prior to the second reactor's shutdown, peak power consumption was estimated at 7.3 GW, while domestic production was up to 4.3 GW; the two reactors have never before been disconnected simultaneously due to low water levels.
- Neighbouring Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant has also shut down one of its four reactors due to the low river levels affecting the Danube, reflecting broader regional impact.
- Officials estimate levels of the Danube will drop to 1,500 cubic metres per second by August 4, approaching the all-time low of 1,400 recorded in 1985, as extreme temperatures persist.
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Director of "Vode Vojvodina" company Igor Kolaković said today that a new historical minimum water level of minus 131 centimeters was recorded on the Danube near Bezdan, with a warning that a further drop in the river level is expected in the coming days.
Record-low Danube River disrupts tourism and industry as drought and heat grip Central Europe
BUDAPEST, Hungary: As wildfires rage in France and Spain and a renewed heat wave is bearing down on Western Europe, a prolonged drought half a continent away is setting record low water levels on one of Europe's largest rivers, disrupting tourism and industry and confronting residents with the realities of climate change.The Danube River, which runs through 10 countries from southwestern Germany to the Black Sea, has receded to never-before-seen…
Danube water levels: Hungary, Romania cut nuclear output
Historically low water levels along Europe's second-longest river have led Hungary and Romania to reduce output at key nuclear plants. Danube tourism and river cargo have also been severely affected by Europe's heatwave.
Following Unit 1, which was disconnected from the national power system shortly before, Unit 2 has now been subject to a controlled shutdown. This is due to record low flow rates in the Danube River. The river supplies water used to cool the power plant's installations. At current water levels, continued operation of the reactors could violate safety and environmental protection requirements. The plant operator emphasizes that the shutdown is a …
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