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Severe European Drought Forces Romania to Use Explosives to Save Nuclear Power Plant

Romania has deployed naval forces to conduct underwater detonations to improve water flow for its sole working nuclear reactor, which is cooled by the Danube River. The severe drought has forced the country to shut down two reactors and use 180kg of explosives to clear rocks and redirect water to the Cernavodǎ nuclear plant. This action comes as the Danube reaches record-low levels, threatening energy security across the region. In Hungary, the Paks nuclear power plant is operating at only 10% capacity due to the same low water levels, nearly forcing a complete shutdown. Simultaneously, the Rhine River has reached its lowest levels in nearly 150 years, disrupting major trade corridors and forcing cargo barges to reduce their loads by up to 80%. The low water levels are causing significant economic impacts, with freight rates rising and industrial production in Germany being dampened. These record-breaking water levels are part of a broader climate crisis, with scientists warning that water scarcity is becoming a recurring annual event rather than a rare occurrence.

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