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Danube Drought Forces Nuclear Plant to Cut Power
20 Aug
Summary
- Bulgaria's sole nuclear plant reduced capacity by 12%.
- Low Danube river levels caused the unprecedented reduction.
- This is the first such capacity cut in 52 years of operation.
Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, responsible for about 35% of Bulgaria's electricity, has announced a reduction in its operational capacity. Effective Friday, August 20, 2026, the plant will decrease its output by approximately 12%, translating to about 120 MW from Unit 5. This decision stems from critically low water levels in the Danube River, described as an unprecedented and severe decrease.
This measure is taken to guarantee the plant's safe functioning. It is significant as this is the first capacity reduction in Kozloduy NPP's 52-year operational history, directly attributed to extreme hydrological conditions. Europe has been experiencing record low water levels across major rivers, impacting energy production, including nuclear output in Hungary and hydropower in Serbia.
Neighboring Romania's sole nuclear producer also recently shut down its plant because of the Danube's low levels. Kozloduy established a dedicated team in July to implement procedures for ensuring sustained safe and reliable operations, even if river levels continue to fall.
