European Droughts Force Nuclear Plant Shutdowns and Energy Emergencies

Severe droughts and record-low river levels across Europe are triggering a widespread energy crisis, forcing several nuclear power plants to reduce output or shut down to prevent reactor meltdowns from insufficient cooling water. In Hungary, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which provides 40% of the nation's electricity, is shutting down for the first time in 44 years. Switzerland's Beznau plant is operating at roughly 50% capacity, while the state-owned utility Électricité de France has limited grid output in France to comply with environmental regulations on river temperatures.

Eastern Europe faces more critical disruptions along the Danube River. Romania declared a nationwide state of emergency for August after the Cernavodă nuclear power plant shut down. In a drastic effort to restore operations, the Romanian navy used controlled explosions to divert water to the facility.

In Bulgaria, the situation at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant shifted rapidly. On August 4, Energy Minister Iva Petrova stated the facility would continue normal operations and that a special task force was implementing contingency measures. However, by August 5, the Bulgarian government warned that extreme heatwaves now threaten the shutdown of both remaining operational units at the plant.