Rising water levels in the Danube allow authorities to reconnect one of two nuclear reactors to the national grid after a three-month shutdown.
Romania on Thursday began to reconnect one of the two reactors at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant to the national grid after water levels in the Danube rose sufficiently to meet the conditions for safe operation, the state-owned operator Nuclearelectrica said.
The reactor, Unit 1, is expected to return to full capacity by November 7.
“Resuming the operation of Unit 1 is an important step towards ensuring the country’s energy security and the stability of the national power system,” Nuclearelectrica’s CEO Mihai Gioara said.
Romania has been facing its most difficult energy
Romania has been facing its most difficult energy situation in decades after both Cernavoda reactors shut down this summer because of exceptionally low levels in the Danube, which threatened the supply of cooling water. Unit 1 was taken offline on July 28, followed by Unit 2 on August 13.
The shutdowns reduced Romania’s domestic electricity production and have increased its reliance on coal-fired power plants, hydropower and electricity imports, putting pressure on wholesale and consumer prices.
The two reactors normally generate around one-fifth of Romania’s electricity needs, making the prolonged shutdown a significant blow to energy security.
Unit 2 remains offline, its restart depending
Unit 2 remains offline, its restart depending on a more sustained recovery in Danube water levels.
Romania therefore remains under pressure, and the government has extended a state of alert over energy security through November amid warnings that electricity reserves could become insufficient during peak-demand periods.
Authorities have ruled out consumption restrictions but warn that electricity bills could rise as Romania continues to rely on imports to cover part of its domestic demand.
Source: balkaninsight.com
