Bulgaria takes emergency measures to keep Kozloduy nuclear plant operating
With a total capacity of around 2 GW, Kozloduy is a critical component of Bulgaria’s power system and the wider regional electricity market. As of Tuesday, August 25, the plant’s output has been temporarily reduced by 140 MW, while authorities are seeking ways to secure the water supplies required to maintain generation.
Measures planned along the Danube
One of the measures under consideration is the construction of a temporary barrier on the Danube River to maintain water levels at an adequate level for the plant’s operations.
According to Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva Petrova, the project is expected to take approximately 10 to 15 days to complete.
Authorities are also seeking to increase the flow of water into the river through hydroelectric facilities as part of efforts to address the water shortage.
At the same time, Bulgaria is increasing the availability of coal-fired power generation. Unit 7 of the Maritsa East power complex has already been brought online, while Unit 8 is expected to follow within the next week.
Electricity prices remain under pressure
The restrictions on electricity generation are also being reflected in regional wholesale power prices.
On Monday, the wholesale electricity price in Greece stood at €167 per MWh, compared with €169 per MWh in Bulgaria and €170 per MWh in both Romania and Hungary.
Conditions have improved in Hungary after the Paks Nuclear Power Plant increased its output from 400 MW to 1,400 MW. Slovenia’s approximately 700 MW nuclear power plant has also returned to operation.
Drought threatens regional power generation
The central challenge remains the lack of water. Low river and reservoir levels are limiting hydroelectric generation while also affecting some thermal and nuclear power facilities that require large quantities of water for cooling.
The difficult conditions are expected to persist until the arrival of autumn rainfall.
Energy authorities are already looking ahead to 2027, with concerns that a repeat of the drought could leave several countries in Southeastern Europe entering the new year with water reserves below normal levels.
Such a scenario could place additional pressure on electricity generation and power prices across the region.
