Romania's nuclear reactors likely to remain offline through November

Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica SA

Today 08:08

BUCHAREST, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Romanian state power producer Nuclearelectrica's ROSNN.BX two nuclear reactors will likely remain offline in November due to low water levels in the Danube river, the energy ministry said.         
The company operates two 706-megawatt reactors at Cernavoda on the Danube, which it uses for coolant. Together, they account for about a fifth of Romania's power output. Record low water levels forced the shutdown of the reactors in late July and early August, respectively.
Romania has extended a state of energy emergency through November, allowing it to cut power to industrial consumers in stages and with prior notice if necessary.
"The reasons for the decision include continued low Danube levels at the Romanian entry point, the impossibility of turning on Units 1 and 2 of Nuclearelectrica throughout November and the existing risk of a crisis in supplying electricity ... at peak consumption hours," the ministry said.  
The European Union state has relied on renewable power and costly imports to help offset the electricity shortfall. Waterways across Europe have been hit by prolonged heatwaves and drought this year. 

 (Reporting by Luiza Ilie. Editing by Mark Potter)
 ((luiza.ilie@thomsonreuters.com; +4021 527 0312; https://www.reuters.com/journalists/luiza-ilie;))