Danube Too Low for Nuclear Power: Hungary, Romania Cut Output

Hungary and Romania have reduced electricity generation at key nuclear plants because the Danube River has dropped to historically low levels. The river is Europe’s second-longest, and its shrinking flow is a direct result of the continent’s ongoing heatwave. The low water level disrupts the cooling systems used by the nuclear facilities, forcing operators to cut output for safety reasons. Beyond power generation, the drought has also hit Danube tourism and cargo shipping hard, as barges and passenger boats struggle to navigate the shallow channels. Both countries now face the challenge of balancing energy needs with the river’s reduced capacity.