Romania Uses Controlled Explosives to Redirect Danube Water to Last Operating Nuclear Reactor

Romania’s navy carried out a controlled explosion to help channel vital cooling water—from the drought-affected Danube River—to the country’s last operating nuclear reactor. The move comes amid historically low water levels that have disrupted nuclear power generation across the region.

Emergency Measures Across the Danube Basin

Hungary, Romania’s neighbor, announced it may extend power supply from its only nuclear plant by two additional days, according to Britain’s Guardian newspaper. For the first time, both countries have been forced to shut down nuclear reactors reliant on Danube water for cooling, as water levels dropped to unprecedented lows—intensifying regional fears of an energy crisis.

Romania declared a nationwide emergency throughout August after electricity output fell sharply when Danube water levels sank to record lows, halting operations at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant.

The Romanian newspaper Adevarul reported that the Danube explosion involved 180 kilograms of explosives to dislodge a large boulder obstructing water flow—triggering a high water column into the air.

Engineering Response and Energy Implications

This extraordinary measure underscores the scale of Europe’s drought-driven crisis: heatwaves and dry conditions have reduced river levels, threatening water supplies, inland navigation, and power generation.

Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miroța said on Monday: “Every day the nuclear power plant remains operational beyond Wednesday or Thursday is a gain; one day of operation delivers efficiency more than three times the cost of this operation.”

Experts noted the controlled blast will allow authorities to construct a temporary dam, diverting more water toward the canal feeding the remaining reactor at Cernavodă.

With both countries operating their sole nuclear plants at reduced capacity, Hungary and Romania are increasingly dependent on costly energy imports—amid rising electricity demand driven by heatwaves. Both rely on Danube water for reactor cooling.

Hungary’s Paks Plant Under Strain

Hungary’s Soviet-era Paks Nuclear Power Plant has cut production rates. The 44-year-old facility—which normally generates nearly half the country’s electricity—is operating below 50% of its nominal capacity.

Authorities had previously indicated the plant might shut down by Sunday but later confirmed it could remain online at reduced output through Monday or Tuesday—providing a narrow window for energy supply.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated the plant is expected to close fully next week. Given forecasts predicting persistently low Danube water levels—insufficient for reactor cooling systems—the shutdown could last several weeks.

Magyar wrote on X: “An energy crisis may begin on Monday. Coordinated steps and self-restraint will be needed to avoid more serious consequences. We count on everyone!”

He added: “Today—and possibly tomorrow—the last turbine, generating 240 megawatts, can continue operating. That is very good news, as it helps avoid full plant shutdown on one of the highest-consumption days.”

Earlier, Magyar noted voluntary energy reduction efforts lowered demand by 700 megawatts on Sunday—significantly easing pressure on the grid.

In another step toward voluntary consumption cuts, pharmaceutical company Richter announced on Monday it would reduce electricity use by more than 50% over the next three weeks.

Regional Impact and Environmental Revelations

In Serbia, record-low Danube water levels have forced the country’s main hydroelectric plant to operate at just 20% of its generating capacity. Prime Minister Miloš Vučević chaired an emergency meeting on Monday dedicated to energy issues.

No significant rise in Danube water levels is expected in the coming days or weeks, as no effective rainfall is forecast, according to the newspaper.

The Danube flows through 10 countries, and in some stretches, water levels have fallen to unprecedented depths—exposing rocks, shipwrecks, a World War II bomb, and remains of a woolly mammoth.

A resident of the village of Riahovo in northern Bulgaria discovered prehistoric bones on the exposed riverbed. Experts from the Regional History Museum in nearby Ruse were dispatched to examine the rare find.