Shrinking Danube River Forces Nuclear Plants to Cut Power

The Danube River dropped so low that Romania had to shut down one reactor at its only nuclear plant on 13 August 2026. That plant supplies about a fifth of the country's electricity, and its director does not expect a restart within 10 days. Hungary's nearby Paks plant was also cutting back, running at just 25% of normal power. Both plants need river water to keep from overheating.