Romania Blasts Rocks to Protect Nuclear Reactor Cooling

Romania carried out controlled explosions to remove rocks from the Danube River and redirect water to the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, as severe drought and record-low river levels threatened reactor cooling. The emergency measure highlights the growing impact of Europe’s ongoing heatwave and energy challenges.

The operation aims to ensure adequate cooling water reaches the country’s only operating nuclear reactor after another reactor was shut down due to falling river levels. Authorities also plan to build a temporary dam to improve water flow, while urging households and businesses to reduce electricity consumption.

The drought has also affected neighboring Hungary, where the Paks nuclear plant is operating at reduced capacity because of the Danube’s low water levels. Governments across the region are taking emergency steps to protect power supplies as extreme weather continues to strain Europe’s energy infrastructure.

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