Nuclearelectrica begins restarting Unit 1 at Cernavodă / Reactor could be resynchronized on Friday

Nuclearelectrica has begun procedures to restart Unit 1 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant after the Danube’s flow reached the minimum level required to safely resume operations. The reactor is expected to be resynchronized with the National Energy System on Friday, November 6.

The startup operations are being carried out gradually, in accordance with strict procedures and nuclear safety requirements. The company’s CEO, Mihai Gioară, said that the resumption of operations is awaited by the company, authorities and the public, and that Nuclearelectrica is seeking solutions to reduce the effects of similar situations.

Unit 2 remains shut down, and its restart depends on a sustained rise in the Danube’s level. The operation of Reactor 1 will use significant volumes of cooling water, which will lower the level in the intake basin.

Both reactors were shut down in August because of the Danube’s low flow. Unit 1 had been shut down on July 28, while Unit 2 was shut down later. The plant normally provides approximately 20% of Romania’s electricity production.