Romania has extended special electricity emergency measures until 30 September, citing prolonged problems at the Cernavoda nuclear plant. The extension is linked to increased reliance on imports and thermal generation as supply conditions tighten.
Low Danube levels have prevented normal nuclear availability, removing a major source of low-variable-cost baseload generation. With that output constrained, the September system balance may face additional pressure.
Supply outlook and potential tightening into September
The September balance could tighten further if weaker wind and solar output coincides with continued high temperatures. Elevated peak demand would add to the risk of tighter operating margins during high-load periods.
Romania has already increased reliance on neighbouring systems to compensate for the nuclear shortfall. Nuclearelectrica has sourced electricity of Ukrainian origin through Moldova’s Energocom.
Authorities have also explored additional access to Ukrainian nuclear generation. Imports are described as not risk-free, with operational and regional effects tied to external conditions.
Regional import exposure and cross-border trading uncertainty
Romanian authorities are concerned that further damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure could reduce regional export availability while Romania requires additional electricity. This would affect the availability of supply for the wider region at the same time demand needs persist.
The emergency framework allows generators capable of switching fuels to maintain additional reserves. It also permits units held in technical reserve to return to operation.
Authorities can reduce export-oriented interconnection capacity or scheduled cross-border exchanges if security of supply deteriorates. Industrial demand curtailment remains a last-resort option under the measures.
Implications for Southeast Europe power prices
The emergency measures add another source of uncertainty for SEE cross-border trading. Romania is normally an important regional generation and transit market, so a prolonged domestic deficit can shift trade flows.
If the shortfall persists, competition for imports from Hungary, Bulgaria and Serbia could increase. That could reduce available export liquidity during already-expensive evening periods.
Until Danube conditions improve and Cernavoda capacity returns, Romanian availability remains one of the most important fundamental risks for September SEE power prices.
