Several Central and Eastern European countries are experiencing power shortages and industrial disruptions due to prolonged hot, dry weather and historically low water levels on the Danube River and other waterways.

Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant, its only nuclear facility, has been operating at about 10% capacity because of insufficient cooling water from the Danube. Despite narrowly avoiding a complete shutdown, the plant's reduced output has contributed to energy supply concerns. A grid operator reported the network remains stable with consumption below planned levels, attributing this to public self-restraint.

In Romania, the military detonated a rocky outcrop exposed by the low water levels some 50 kilometers upstream on a branch of the Danube. This operation aimed to improve the flow of cooling water to the Cernavoda nuclear plant, which typically provides about one-fifth of the country's electricity. Defense Minister Radu Miruta described the demolition as a success and noted the military had awaited the opportunity to remove these rocks for decades.

The drought's impact extends to industry; Romania's caretaker Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced that car manufacturers Dacia and Ford agreed to suspend production until August 19 following a crisis meeting with energy-intensive sectors.

New German Transport Minister Steffen Bilger highlighted the historic low levels on the Danube and the Rhine, Europe's busiest inland freight waterway, as an early challenge in his tenure. While water management forecasts have become slightly more optimistic, continued hot and dry weather is expected, offering little immediate relief.

Authorities urge the public to minimize electricity use, especially from large consumers like air conditioners, to help manage the tense situation.

Sources