Romania shuts Cernavoda nuclear plant over Danube drought

On 13 August 2026, Romania began a controlled shutdown of Unit 2 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, its only nuclear facility, after the Danube River fell to record-low levels due to severe drought and heatwaves across Europe. The plant operator Nuclearelectrica had already shut down Unit 1 in late July. The plant normally generates about 20% of Romania's electricity. Despite efforts including blasting a rock and sinking four barges to divert the river flow at a cost of over €2 million, water levels remained too low for safe cooling. The energy ministry said alternative sources and imports would cover supply, but also appealed for responsible consumption and warned of possible restrictions for large industrial users. Carmakers Renault — Dacia and Ford Motor Company paused production until August 19. The shutdown is the first since a 2003 drought. The drought has also affected Hungary, where the Paks Nuclear Power Plant faces possible shutdown, and has impacted shipping on the Rhine and agriculture in France and the Netherlands. Scientists from Copernicus and World Weather Attribution link the drought to climate change.