Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant will cut output by about 12% (around 120 MW) after record-low Danube River levels threatened cooling capacity. The plant supplies roughly 35% of Bulgaria’s electricity and this marks its first-ever capacity reduction due to hydrological conditions in 52 years. Low Danube levels have also reduced generation in Hungary and Serbia and prompted Romania to temporarily halt its nuclear plant.
Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Nuclear Plant Cuts Output By About 12% After Danube Falls To Record Lows
A drone view of a boat sailing near the exposed riverbed of the Danube River at record-low water levels, in Sandrovo, Bulgaria, August 13, 2026. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
SOFIA, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Bulgaria’s only nuclear power plant, Kozloduy, said on Friday it will reduce output by about 12% as unusually low water levels in the Danube River threaten cooling and operations.
Unit Details and Impact: Kozloduy operates two Soviet-era 1,000 MW reactors (Units 5 and 6) and supplies roughly 35% of Bulgaria’s electricity. The plant said it will lower generation at Unit 5 by approximately 120 MW to ensure continued safe operation and preserve grid stability.
Unprecedented Conditions: The operator described the move as a response to an "ongoing unprecedented and critical decrease in the Danube River," marking the first time in Kozloduy’s 52-year operational history that capacity has been reduced due to extreme hydrological conditions.
Regional Consequences: Record-low Danube levels are already depressing electricity production across the region: Hungary has seen a drop in nuclear generation, Serbia’s hydropower output has fallen sharply, and Romania’s sole nuclear operator, Nuclearelectrica, temporarily shut down its plant last week because of low river levels.
Preparedness Measures: Kozloduy said a team established in July has implemented procedures to maintain safe and reliable operations if low river levels persist. The company emphasized the reduction is temporary and aimed at safeguarding safety margins while keeping supplies as stable as possible.
(Reporting by Stoyan Nenov; Writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Mark Potter and Susan Fenton)
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