The Cernavodă reactors could be restarted only toward the end of September

The reactors of the Cernavodă nuclear power plant could be restarted only toward the end of September, if the Danube’s flow increases sufficiently to cool the facilities. The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Energy, Cristian Bușoi, told Digi24 that a more precise assessment will be made after September 15.

The Energy Command at the headquarters of the National Energy Dispatching Center estimates that water levels will remain insufficient in the Cernavodă area for most of the month. Forecasts indicate a possible slight increase in the Danube’s flow around September 15, but it is expected to remain well below the average of recent years.

The plant was completely shut down on August 13, after the Danube reached a historic low. The unit provides approximately 20% of Romania’s electricity production.

Until the restart, the shortfall during peak hours will be covered through imports, while wind and photovoltaic production could reduce the need for energy purchased from abroad. Bușoi maintains that the energy system has the resources necessary to ensure continuity of supply.