Bulgaria to Build 300-Meter-Long Dam Near Kozloduy Nuclear Plant as Danube Hits Record Low

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Due to a prolonged drought, the Danube River's water level has dropped to a record low, posing a threat to energy facilities in several countries along its banks. Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva Petrova stated on August 24 that the government has decided to construct a dam approximately 250 to 300 meters long in the Danube section near the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (Kozloduy NPP) to ensure the plant's cooling water supply.

The Bulgarian authorities made this decision after conducting detailed hydrological analyses and hydraulic modeling. Petrova stated that the dam construction is expected to take 10 to 15 days, and relevant departments have already made on-site organizational preparations. She emphasized that although the current situation is severe, there is no risk to the nuclear power plant or the national power grid.

First Power Reduction Due to Water Levels in 52 Years

The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is one of the largest in the Balkan region, drawing its cooling water from the Danube River. Due to persistently abnormally low water levels, the plant took preventive measures on August 21, reducing the power output of Unit 5 by approximately 120 megawatts. This marks the first time in the plant's 52-year operating history, since it began operations in 1974, that reactor power has been reduced due to Danube water level issues.

Bulgaria's Energy Ministry stated that the persistent climate drought is the primary cause of the record decline in Danube water levels. Despite the power reduction measures, the plant has maintained an output of over 1,000 megawatts, approximately 94% of its rated capacity. Officials stated that if water levels continue to drop, similar measures may need to be applied to Unit 6.

Minister Petrova noted that the Danube's water level is dynamic, with a recent observed recovery of 2 centimeters. She also revealed that the government has evaluated approximately 7 alternative options, including diverting water from internal reservoirs.

Multiple Countries Affected; Bulgaria Activates Backup Power

The extreme low water levels of the Danube have affected several European countries. Previously, Romania's nuclear power plant had already been impacted as a result. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Hungary plans to build a dam within its territory within three weeks to raise water levels near its nuclear power plant by approximately 1.5 meters, a move that could further exacerbate water supply pressure on the Bulgarian section.

To address potential risks, Bulgaria has activated backup power plans, accelerating preparations for Unit 7 of the Maritsa-East 2 Thermal Power Plant (Maritsa-East 2 TPP), with Unit 8 also scheduled to be commissioned next week. Currently, Bulgaria's average daily power generation is approximately 130,000 megawatt-hours, with domestic consumption around 90,000 megawatt-hours, still allowing for electricity exports of about 31,000 megawatt-hours.