Romania begins shutdown of nuclear plant's 2nd reactor amid low water levels on Danube River

Romania has initiated a controlled shutdown of the second reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to critically low water levels in the Danube River. The action follows a period of severe drought, characterized by scorching heat and insufficient rainfall across the continent, which has impacted the river's capacity to provide necessary cooling for the facility.

The shutdown follows previous operational challenges at the site, where unit one had already ceased operations due to water scarcity. Authorities have implemented emergency measures, including river dredging, in an effort to maintain the functionality of the remaining infrastructure amid the ongoing energy alert.