Record-low Danube River affects tourism and industry as drought and heat grip Central Europe
- 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.
171 Articles
171 Articles
Romania and Hungary in a state of energy alert, car industries are closing, citizens are being urged to reduce consumption - Problems in the transport of goods in Germany, difficulties for farmers in the Netherlands and Italy
The Danube currently carries only one third of the usual water volume in midsummer. This now also threatens the electricity supply in Eastern Europe. Romania is moving the military.
London records first dry month in 150 years
London’s Kew Gardens, home to a weather station since 1871, recorded its first calendar month with no rain in 155 years. Europe is struggling with a continent-wide drought: Record low water levels in the Danube river have forced Hungary to shut down its only nuclear power plant, and the government is preparing for blackouts and electricity rationing at a time when the country’s economy is struggling. Romania’s Cernavodă plant, also on the Danube…
The Danube River has fallen to historic lows in Serbia, a consequence of the drought and intense heat that have gripped Europe for weeks. Report by Lou Kisiela and Peter O'Brien.
Record-low Danube levels push some countries in Eastern Europe to the brink of energy emergency
Numerous governments across Central and Eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity and avert an energy crisis as record low water levels on the Danube River have forced power plants to the brink of shutting down.
European countries on brink of energy emergency amid record-low water and heatwaves
Countries across Europe are on the brink of an energy emergency as the River Danube falls to record-low water levels - with Romania carrying out underwater detonations to improve water flow.
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