Prime Minister Luca Niculescu announces that a reactor at Cernavodă could be restarted in November

Prime Minister Luca Niculescu estimates that at least one reactor at the Cernavodă Nuclear Plant could be restarted within a few days, with a decision expected to be made in November. He made the statement in an interview with TVR, amid measures being prepared by the authorities to secure energy and gas supplies during the cold season.

The head of government said he was discussing the timing of the plant’s restart with the energy minister and the director of Nuclearelectrica. He also linked developments to improved water flows, following rainfall in recent days.

Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță confirmed that there were grounds for restarting a reactor as early as November. He explained that the authorities were analyzing solutions daily to balance energy supply and demand, and argued that, although the period was difficult and atypical, no problems were expected regarding the possibility of imports.

Niculescu also announced that Romania’s gas reserves were approaching the European 90% threshold and that the National Energy Committee would be convened. The government is also analyzing an extension of electricity payment vouchers for vulnerable people. Gas tariffs will remain regulated until March next year, while the authorities are also awaiting news about the Mintia power plant.