Romania stabilises power grid after coal unit restart but warns of crisis if nuclear plant stays offline

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6 days · 3 summary articles
Romania stabilises power grid after coal unit restart but warns of crisis if nuclear plant stays offline
Spain extends Almaraz nuclear plant licence to 2030 amid energy market volatility: Romania shuts Cernavodă reactors over Danube drought
Romania loses all nuclear power as Danube drought shuts Cernavodă plant for at least 10 days
Continuation
Romania’s energy system is stable this week after the restart of a coal-fired unit at the Rovinari power plant, but officials warn of severe strain if the Cernavodă nuclear reactors remain offline until autumn. Cristian Bușoi, state secretary in the Ministry of Energy, said on Tuesday that the situation is under control following the reactivation of Group 4 at the Rovinari plant, which added nearly 300 MW to the national grid .
The peak evening demand is estimated at up to 7,400 MW, with temperatures expected to reach 36°C in the coming days, according to the National Energy Dispatcher under Transelectrica. Bușoi stated that current production—boosted by wind energy and coal plants—covers demand, and no consumption restrictions for major industrial users are anticipated this week or next .
However, the prolonged shutdown of both units at the Cernavodă nuclear plant, caused by low Danube River levels, remains a critical concern. Bușoi described the potential impact of their continued closure as “devastating” and noted that hydrological forecasts suggest Unit 2 is unlikely to restart within the next 10 days . Transelectrica reported that improved weather conditions in Central Europe may increase the Danube’s flow next week, potentially allowing a reassessment of restarting a nuclear unit .
Regional electricity prices have averaged 160-170 euros per MWh, spiking above 200 euros during peak hours, though Bușoi emphasized that short-term price surges should not be conflated with broader trends . He also cautioned that pressure on prices could intensify after Sept. 1 as industrial activity resumes and demand rises with the end of summer holidays .
Rompetrol has implemented energy-saving measures at its Petromidia and Vega refineries, reducing peak-hour consumption by approximately 5 MW. Adjustments include rescheduling operations, such as coke cutting at Petromidia, to avoid critical periods, and a planned shutdown of the low-density polyethylene unit starting Aug. 22, which will cut an additional 8 MW . The company’s cogeneration plant, with a capacity of 80 MW, already supplies 8-10 MW to the national grid during peak hours, with potential to increase deliveries to over 13 MW under the new measures.
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