Bulgarian Energy Minister Calls for Coordinated Response to Low Danube Water Levels

Bulgarian Energy Minister Eva Petrova stated at a meeting of the National Assembly's Energy Committee in Sofia on September 2 that persistently low water levels in the Danube River have impacted the operation of nuclear power plants along its banks. While countries have taken individual response measures, there remains a need to strengthen coordination at the regional level.

Petrova said the Danube is currently at extremely low water levels, leading to reduced electricity generation at nuclear power plants along the river, including Bulgaria's Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. She noted that relevant forecasts indicate such severe conditions may become more frequent in the future.

She explained that the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant has accumulated operational experience under low-water conditions over recent months. The Ministry of Energy recently communicated with the plant's team, which has anticipated possible scenarios and developed practical experience in maintaining operations under extremely low Danube water levels.

Petrova also stated that the current Danube water level is essentially the same as a month ago, and the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant team is prepared for such conditions. The Ministry of Energy is conducting round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and continuously maintaining relevant facilities. She said Bulgaria believes the situation is expected to stabilize going forward, with no more severe conditions anticipated.