Romania has begun a controlled shutdown of the second reactor at its Cernavoda nuclear power plant as severe drought continues to affect much of Europe.
Plant operator Nuclearelectrica said scorching temperatures and weeks of below-average rainfall have pushed the Danube River to record-low levels. The conditions forced the plant to shut down its first reactor in late July this year.
The plant accounts for around 20 per cent of Romania’s electricity generation when operating at full capacity.
Meanwhile, the country’s Ministry of Energy has said the country’s electricity needs can be met through alternative sources and imports following the shutdown of the second reactor.