Romania could bring one of the two reactors at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant back online around 15 November, after improved Danube flows eased the water shortage that forced the units to shut down.
Energy Minister Dumitru Chisalita said river flows had risen significantly over the previous two weeks, opening the possibility of restoring part of Romania’s nuclear generation before winter.
The timing depends on hydrological conditions, and a further fall in Danube levels could postpone the restart.
Shutdowns tightened the electricity balance
Plant operator Nuclearelectrica shut the two Cernavoda reactors on 28 July and 13 August, respectively, during an exceptionally severe drought.
The loss of nuclear output has strained Romania’s electricity balance during periods of strong demand and affected Nuclearelectrica’s finances. In a revised budget earlier in October, the company reduced its projected 2026 net profit by 42.9% to €220 million.
Returning one reactor to service would help narrow the generation deficit as colder weather approaches. No firm restart date has been confirmed, and no timing has been indicated for the second reactor’s return, leaving the schedule for a full recovery of Cernavoda’s output uncertain.
