Romania Shuts Down Only Nuclear Plant as Danube Levels Fall
Romania shut down its only nuclear plant. It is called the Cernavodă plant.
The plant produces 20% of Romania's electricity. Low water levels on the Danube River caused the shutdown.
High temperatures and low rain left the river at record-low levels. The first reactor shut down in late July.
Romania then began shutting down the second reactor. Leaders say both reactors are now safely shut down.
The plant may not restart for 10 days. Romania tried to raise water levels first.
Workers blasted rocks and dug out the riverbed. They also sank four rock-filled barges into the river.
Romania declared a nationwide energy alert on July 31. Romania says other energy sources and imports can cover the gap.
Klear Note — Nuclear plants use river water to cool their reactors.
Key Terms 3
- Cernavodă plant Romania's only nuclear power plant, located on the Danube River.
- Danube River A major river flowing through many European countries including Romania.
- reactor A part of a nuclear plant that produces energy and heat.