Romania blasts rock in Danube to divert water to Cernavoda nuclear plant

Published Aug 4, 06:47 AM UTC

Romania's army has blasted a rock in a Danube river arm near Izvoarele to divert water to the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, which is at risk of shutdown due to historically low water levels. The Danube currently carries only a third of its typical summer volume. One of Cernavoda's two reactors was already shut down last week, and the second could be closed by Thursday if the diversion fails. The plant supplies 20% of Romania's electricity. Automakers Dacia and Ford have suspended production until August 19 to save power. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant is also struggling with low Danube levels but remains operational after reducing cooling water requirements. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared an energy crisis, citing drought impacts on both nuclear and hydroelectric power generation.

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