Romania suspends nuclear power plant operations

**Romania shuts down nuclear power plant**

Romania has been forced to shut down the last operating unit of the country's only nuclear power plant, Cernavode, after record low water levels in the Danube River, The Guardian reported.

The plant's two reactors provide about 20 percent of Romania's total electricity production. One of them was shut down in late July and the other on August 13 due to a significant and ongoing drop in water levels in the Danube River. It is not expected to be restored in the next ten days.

Romania declared an energy emergency in August amid a power shortage. Residents and companies were asked to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours. The government has launched a 330 MW brown coal-fired power plant to make up for the lost capacity. Additional power generation from wind and hydroelectric power plants is also planned.

Earlier, authorities announced that the Dacia and Ford car factories would close until August 19 to reduce the load on the energy system. The shutdown of the Chernavode NPP also poses problems for neighboring Moldova. Moldova imports electricity from Romania, which covers 60 percent of its deficit. Now Chisinau will have to increase imports from Ukraine or buy more expensive electricity from Western countries. Another possible option is planned power outages.

"I think we should be prepared for a worsening of the situation, including power outages. Although it is difficult to say anything for sure right now," said Moldovan energy expert Sergio Tofilat.

The crisis was caused by a prolonged drought. According to the Copernicus European Climate Service, water flow in almost two-thirds of the Danube in July fell to its lowest level in 34 years of observation. The drop in water levels has also made it difficult for ships to navigate the 2,850-kilometer-long river.

Romania had previously sunk four ships to supply water to its nuclear power plant. As the water level in the Danube receded, the remains of a nearly 1,700-year-old Roman bridge were revealed. The remains of a German warship also surfaced.