Romania PM urges energy overhaul as drought forces second reactor shutdown

Romania has begun a controlled shutdown of a second reactor at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, as a severe drought continues to push the Danube River to record lows. The plant, which relies on river water for cooling and supplies roughly 20% of the country's electricity when fully operational, had already taken its first reactor offline in late July.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said the situation underscores the need for long-term, stable energy policies and serious investment in infrastructure. He attributed the current crisis to years of strategic neglect, including a lack of investment, lax oversight, and personnel policies that did not prioritise competence.

A nationwide state of alert in the energy sector was declared on July 31 for August, and authorities had hoped to avoid shutting down the second reactor. However, water levels in the Danube ultimately fell below the threshold required to keep it operational.

Cristian Busoi, a state secretary in the Ministry of Energy, said the shutdown is unlikely to disrupt public access to electricity, which he said will be guaranteed in any scenario. He added that authorities remain in contact with the European Commission and see no current reason to intervene in the market.

Energy expert Mihnea Catuta of the Energy Policy Group said the problems are visible across the national energy system. He noted delays in coal plant closures and gas power plants that have yet to come online. Catuta said the situation should improve next year, with over two gigawatts of new gas capacity expected, alongside continued investment in solar, wind, and storage.