Drought Lowers Danube Water Levels, Romania Plans to Restrict Industrial Power Use if Necessary

Romania's Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said after a cabinet meeting on August 6 that the government has developed a comprehensive risk prevention plan covering multiple risk scenarios, including earthquakes, public health events, and the current drought, with corresponding response measures clearly defined. Under the plan, Romania will establish a national operations center in the energy sector.

Bolojan stated that the government will approve on August 7 measures by Transelectrica to take action when necessary: with 24 hours' prior notice, certain industrial users may be disconnected from the national grid. He also emphasized that power supply to ordinary citizens, apartments, and residential users will not be affected.

Bolojan said the government assesses that no industrial shutdowns will occur in the next 5 to 7 days. However, he added that if Unit 2 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant is forced to shut down, or if Romania is unable to import electricity during peak demand hours, the associated risks could increase.

He also stated that Romania has held consultations with neighboring countries to secure electricity imports during evening hours; electricity exports will only be carried out when there is a surplus in domestic power supply.

Due to the ongoing drought, water levels in the Danube River have dropped significantly. Unit 1 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, Romania's only nuclear power plant, was shut down on July 28, and Unit 2 is also at risk of shutdown. The two operating units of the plant generate approximately 20% of Romania's total national electricity output. If all units are shut down, Romania's power supply will face even greater pressure.