economy
Romania blasts rock to divert water from drought-hit Danube to nuclear reactor
Hungary and Romania face energy crisis as record-low river levels force atomic power plants to reduce output
TL;DR
- Romania conducted a controlled explosion using 180kg of explosives to redirect vital cooling water from the drought-hit Danube to its last working nuclear reactor.
- Hungary stated its only nuclear power plant might operate for two more days, but faces a potential shutdown next week due to low Danube water levels.
- Both Romania and Hungary have been forced to shut down nuclear reactors cooled by the Danube for the first time due to record-low water levels.
- The drought and heatwave have lowered river levels across Europe, impacting water supplies, river transport, and power generation.
- Hungary's prime minister warned of an energy crisis situation starting Monday and called for coordinated steps and restraint.
- Voluntary power usage cuts in Hungary have helped ease pressure on the grid.
- Serbia's hydroelectric plant is operating at only 20% capacity due to record-low Danube levels.
- Water levels on the Danube are not expected to rise significantly in the coming days or weeks.
- The receding Danube has revealed historical items, including a World War II bomb and woolly mammoth remains.