Romania shuts its only nuclear plant as Danube water levels drop

Romania has shut down its only nuclear power plant, the Cernavodă plant, for the first time in 23 years. The shutdown is due to critically low water levels in the Danube River. The Danube provides cooling water for the plant's reactors. The shutdown began with the second reactor, with the first reactor following suit.

The shutdown is attributed to a significant drop in Danube water levels caused by extreme heat. The heatwave has led to reduced water flow in the river, impacting the plant's ability to operate safely. The plant's reactors require a steady supply of cooling water to function. The plant's shutdown is unprecedented in recent history.

The BBC and Euronews.com both name the plant as Cernavodă. The plant has two reactors, and the shutdown process began with the second reactor. The first reactor's shutdown has not been specified. The impact on Romania's energy supply and the duration of the shutdown are not yet clear.