Romania’s Energy Crisis: Cristian Bușoi Explains Cernavodă Unit 2 Shutdown

The Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant in Romania is set for a complete disconnection from the National Energy System following a gradual power reduction at Unit 2, the sole operating reactor, according to Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi. Speaking on Digi24’s “Jurnalul de Seară,” Bușoi stated on Wednesday that the shutdown will increase regional import needs, though he assured the public that no blackout risks exist for the next two weeks.

Power Generation Adjustments and Wind Forecasts

The temporary loss of nearly 700 megawatts from Cernavodă Unit 2 does not automatically translate into an equal volume of imports, according to Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi. Daily domestic output fluctuates based on weather patterns. Wind power forecasts for the coming days predict generation around 1,000 megawatts at maximum capacity, with daily averages expected between 500 and 600 megawatts. Officials anticipate this renewable output can partially offset the 680 to 700 megawatt shortfall. Weekend demand and import needs traditionally drop, offering temporary relief to the grid.

Regional Energy Imports and Interconnections

Imports will cover a significant portion of Romania’s electricity demand during the reactor outage, primarily sourced from Bulgaria due to newly expanded interconnector capacities, according to Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi. Bulgaria operates the Kozlodui Nuclear Power Plant, which houses two 1,000-megawatt Russian-type reactors that currently face no operational threats, based on official bilateral communications. Romanian authorities are also discussing potential electricity transfers with Greece via bilateral channels. Total regional interconnection capacity allows Romania to import up to approximately 4,000 MW if necessary.

Domestic Backups and Hydroelectric Reserves

Romania maintains internal backup generation to secure power supply if regional imports fall short, according to Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi. Unit 4 at the Rovinari plant stands ready in reserve with a nominal capacity of 330 megawatts, delivering up to 300 megawatts of daily production. An additional 300 megawatts can be drawn from Hidroelectrica reservoir reserves. Officials emphasize the need for caution and balance when utilizing these hydro reserves, as traditional operating procedures preserve them primarily for winter consumption.

Grid Stability Amid European Weather Strains

Adverse weather conditions impact the broader European region, creating what Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi describes as two “weeks of fire” across the continent. Hydrological and meteorological conditions are expected to improve toward the end of August. While solar photovoltaic producers occasionally experience short-lived price drops from generation surpluses, the permanent removal of Cernavodă’s 680 to 700 megawatts in baseband power will likely curtail these negative pricing episodes. Bușoi confirmed that no blackout risks threaten Romania during this two-week window, noting that extreme worst-case scenarios would involve limiting supplies to large industrial operators while preserving essential services, hospitals, schools, and state institutions.

Battery Storage Investments and Future Modernization

Romania currently counts 11 approved energy storage projects, with most scheduled for completion by August 31, according to Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi. Two of these projects entered service ahead of schedule. The country has approved 500 megawatts of battery storage since the onset of the crisis. To accelerate development, a new 150-million-euro project call financed through the Modernisation Fund will launch on September 1, targeting independent battery investments and integrated local public administration storage systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a risk of a blackout in Romania during the Cernavodă shutdown?

No. Ministry of Energy State Secretary Cristian Bușoi stated that the energy system remains stable and coordinated, and no blackout risks exist for the next two weeks.

Where will Romania import missing electricity from?

Imports will come primarily from Bulgaria, which benefits from the Kozlodui Nuclear Power Plant, as well as through potential channels linking Greece and other regional markets, according to the Ministry of Energy.

What backup generation sources are available domestically?

Romania can rely on Unit 4 at the Rovinari plant, which offers up to 300 megawatts of daily production, alongside reservoir reserves from Hidroelectrica, according to official statements.