Romania has shut down its only nuclear power plant after record-low water levels in the Danube River threatened its cooling system, in a rare move highlighting the growing impact of extreme drought on Europe’s energy infrastructure.

The Cernavodă nuclear power plant, which normally produces around one-fifth of Romania’s electricity, relies entirely on water from the Danube for cooling. Romania’s state-owned nuclear energy company, Nuclearelectrica, said it was forced to shut down the plant’s second reactor on Thursday because of the “significant and ongoing drop” in the river’s water level.

One of the plant’s two reactors had already been taken offline last month as drought conditions worsened. The complete shutdown is only the second in the plant’s history, following a similar disruption in 2023 during another period of severe drought and extreme summer temperatures.

Authorities had attempted several emergency measures to keep the plant operating. Earlier this month, with assistance from the Romanian Navy, workers blasted a rocky outcrop exposed by the unusually low water levels and deposited the debris strategically on the riverbed to redirect more water toward the plant.

However, continuing dry weather and falling river levels ultimately made it impossible to maintain operations. Plant director Romeo Urjan said there were no plans to restart the facility within the next 10 days.

Romania’s Energy Ministry said it was securing alternative electricity supplies, including additional wind power and energy imports, while urging the public to reduce consumption. Officials warned that restrictions on large industrial consumers during evening hours could be introduced as a last resort.

Major car manufacturers Ford and Dacia have already agreed to temporarily pause production until August 19 to help reduce pressure on the national electricity system.

Meanwhile, neighboring Hungary is facing a similar crisis. Authorities are reportedly working to dam sections of the Danube in an effort to maintain sufficient water levels for the Paks nuclear power plant, which has been operating at significantly reduced capacity in recent days.