Romania seeks to divert Danube water to keep Cernavoda nuclear power plant online

03 August 2026 Romania is attempting to increase the flow through one of the Danube’s channels by eliminating a natural obstacle (a large rock) and obstructing another channel through controlled sinking of ships, with the final aim of keeping the Cernavoda nuclear power plant open as long as possible. Initially scheduled for full closure amid low Danube water levels and hence limited cooling water resources on July 31, the plant still keeps one of its two 680 MW reactors online. However, as the situation remains critical, Romania seeks emergency imports from Ukraine and prepares for measures to restrict national consumption. The experts expect low water levels to put at risk Cernavoda NPP’s operations at least until mid-August. The government of Romania on July 31 declared a nationwide sta