Low Danube levels force nuclear shutdown in Romania

Romania will shut down its second nuclear reactor due to low water levels in the Danube, the energy ministry said Wednesday, days after the first was shut down for the same reason.

The two reactors at the Cernavoda plant run by Romania's national nuclear energy company Nuclearelectrica rely on the waters of the Danube for cooling.

"Given the unfavourable development of hydrological conditions on the Danube, Unit 2 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant will be shut down in a controlled manner tomorrow, July 30, starting at 10:00 am (0700 GMT)," the ministry said.

Nuclearelectrica said in a statement that the reactors were being shut down "in accordance with the plant's procedures applicable in situations of severe drought".

It is the first time both reactors have been shut down simultaneously due to low water levels in the Danube, according to local media.

The Danube -- which runs from the Black Forest mountains of western Germany through 10 countries to the Black Sea -- has dropped to record low levels in parts due to prolonged rain shortages and successive heatwaves since May.

Hungary has also reduced its nuclear output due to the river's low water levels.

Romania's acting prime minister Ilie Bolojan said the country would be forced to cover the energy shortfall by increasing production at gas-fired power plants and through imports, especially during peak consumption hours in the evening.

"I appeal to the citizens of Romania and large consumers to be mindful of their consumption during the evening hours, when we face an energy shortage," he told the Digi24 television channel.