Full shutdown of Romania’s Cernavoda NPP appears imminent

11 August 2026 Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear power plant is just 3 cm above the minimum water level required for operation, after the Danube level fell sharply on August 10 despite emergency works aimed at diverting additional water towards the plant. Figures indicate that the shutdown of the second of two Cernavoda reactors is imminent. The National Administration of Romanian Waters said on August 10 that the Danube level at Cernavoda had fallen to -227 cm, compared with the minimum operating level of -230 cm, Agerpres reported. The development leaves little margin for the continued operation of the reactor, expected to last for no more than a couple of days. The latest decline came after the water level had temporarily increased following the sinking of barges loaded with rocks in the Danu