Romania’s state-owned nuclear producer Nuclearelectrica has started importing electricity sourced from Ukraine through Moldova’s state energy trader Energocom, seeking to offset lost generation from Cernavoda unit 1.
The transaction uses the cooperation framework established under a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Nuclearelectrica and Energocom. The arrangement was designed to support mutual assistance and closer regional energy cooperation.
The imports come as Romania remains under an energy alert for August. Low Danube levels have reduced domestic generation and placed additional pressure on the cooling-water supply serving Cernavoda.
Unit 2 remained online after a technical review completed on 30 July concluded that it could continue operating within nuclear-safety limits. Nuclearelectrica is monitoring cooling-water availability and other operating parameters continuously, but the reactor could still be shut if river conditions deteriorate further.
Danube inflows at Baziaș were forecast to fall to about 1,450 cubic metres per second by 6 August. That compares with long-term averages of approximately 4,700 cubic metres per second in July and 3,900 cubic metres per second in August. The forecast August flow was therefore around 63 per cent below the historical monthly average.
River conditions were expected to remain close to those levels until approximately 10-12 August, followed by a possible gradual recovery. The continuing drought made the timing and strength of that improvement uncertain.
The Ukrainian supply route gives Romania additional protection during the evening demand period, but it cannot fully replace a large nuclear unit without sufficient interconnection capacity and available exportable power. Romania must also balance imports from Bulgaria with exports towards Hungary and Moldova.
Nuclearelectrica’s action shows that regional cooperation is becoming part of plant-level operational risk management. Nuclear availability, hydrological conditions and cross-border trading are now directly linked within Romania’s security-of-supply response.
