Danube Drought Forces Nuclear Shutdowns and Energy Alerts in Europe

A severe drought and extreme heat wave have pushed the Danube River to record lows, triggering an energy crisis across Southeast Europe. In Romania, Ilie Bolojan, the Acting Prime Minister and Energy Minister, declared a nationwide state of alert after SN Nuclearelectrica SA shut down one of two reactors at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant on July 31. To prevent a second shutdown—which would eliminate 20% of national energy production—the Romanian Armed Forces used 180 kilograms of explosives to clear rocks and sank four stone-filled barges to redirect water flow toward the plant's intake.

Hungary faces a similar crisis at the Paks nuclear plant, which provides nearly half of the country's electricity. Prime Minister Péter Magyar issued decrees for mandatory industrial power cuts and banned electric freight trains during peak hours to avoid a complete plant shutdown.

Serbia has also seen critical infrastructure fail, with a key hydroelectric plant operating at only 20% capacity and output cuts at Kostolac coal-fired plants. To mitigate the shortfall, Romania is coordinating emergency electricity imports from Ukraine, while Hungary and Serbia are importing power despite high spot market costs. While Romania expects household consumers to remain unaffected, Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut has urged residents to limit the use of high-energy appliances like air conditioners. The regional drought has further disrupted European trade, curtailing grain and oil shipments through major waterways including the port of Rotterdam.