Romania closes last reactor

 

TT 

Published10.35

 

Image from the explosions in the Danube earlier in August. But they didn't help. Photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP/TT

Romania's nuclear power is being completely shut down, due to a lack of cooling water from the Danube River.

One reactor at the Cernavoda plant was disconnected earlier this summer, due to the prolonged drought that has led to record low water levels in Europe's major rivers. On Wednesday, the second reactor will also be disconnected, state-owned Nuclearelectrica announced, according to the AFP news agency.

This means that Romania is completely without nuclear power for the time being, which usually makes up up to 20 percent of its electricity supply.

This makes the country dependent on imports, but neighboring Hungary has also been forced to almost completely shut down its nuclear power.

To remedy the situation, abundant rain is needed. But that is not to be expected anytime soon, according to Romanian media.