Unit 2 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (CEN) could be shut down in a controlled manner on Thursday morning as a result of the falling water level of the Danube, Nuclearelectrica announced in a report sent to the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).

'Nuclearelectrica SA announces that there is currently a possibility that Unit 2 of the CEN Cernavoda could be shut down in a controlled manner on the morning of 13 August 2026. The possibility of the controlled shutdown of Unit 2 is based on monitoring the INHGA [National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management] forecasts for the coming period, the falling water level of the Danube and operating parameters,' the report mentioned.

Unit 1 of the CEN Cernavoda was shut down in a controlled manner and disconnected from the National Energy System on the morning of 28 July 2026 following the unprecedentedly low water level of the Danube.

The minimum water level in the Cernavoda area which can ensure the Plant's operation is -230 cm, while the water level in the area currently stands at -227 cm, the National Administration 'Romanian Waters' (ANAR) announced on Monday evening.

'Tomorrow, the AFDJ's [Lower Danube River Administration] dredging operations will continue in the downstream area of the Bala branch, namely in the area of the sills affecting the flow of water. The Danube level at Cernavoda is falling more sharply than previously estimated. The minimum water level in the Cernavoda area which can ensure the plant's operation is -230 cm. At present, the water level at Cernavoda is -227 cm,' the quoted source mentioned.

The Danube's flow rate at the country's entry point, at Bazias, is expected to remain steady at 1,400 cubic meters per second until 17 August, compared with the August multi-annual average of 3,900 cubic metres per second.

On Tuesday, at 11:00, Cernavoda Unit 2 accounted for 10.65% of the country's electricity production, namely 669 MW, according to Transelectrica data. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN - writing by: Rodica State)

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