Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear plant is expected to remain fully unavailable until at least 15 October, extending the country’s reliance on imported electricity. Low Danube levels are constraining domestic generation.
Both reactors are currently offline, removing approximately 1,360 MW of capacity from the system. Each unit has a capacity of around 680 MW. Together, the two reactors normally supply close to 20% of Romania’s electricity consumption.
Reactor outages tied to river conditions
Unit 1 was taken out of service in July due to low river levels. A controlled shutdown of unit 2 followed in early August. The timing links both outages to ongoing water conditions near the plant.
Energy Ministry State Secretary Cristian Bușoi described water conditions near Cernavoda as exceptionally difficult. Forecasts indicate continued low flows. Any restart is described as dependent on sufficient recovery to support safe operation.
Market impact and consumer supply expectations
Authorities do not currently expect restrictions on electricity supplies to consumers. The immediate exposure is financial, with replacement generation and imports increasing the cost of meeting demand. Hydro output is also reported as weak, adding to the pressure on supply-cost dynamics.
Romania’s day-ahead electricity price for 9 October delivery rose by €45.8/MWh to €255.20/MWh. The level places Romania among the most expensive markets in the region.
Mid-October restart outlook remains conditional
The horizon for any return of capacity in mid-October remains conditional. Until river conditions improve enough for the reactors to come back online, replacement volumes and procurement costs remain uncertain for market participants.
