Both Kozloduy NPP units are operating as scheduled despite record-low Danube levels, the Energy Ministry said on Sunday.

As of 5 pm on August 2, both units are generating electricity in line with the approved schedule. The Ministry noted that the low Danube level has already forced Hungary’s Paks NPP to shut down and is causing difficulties for nuclear power plants in other countries.

The Ministry estimates that, if the average rate at which the river level fell over the past week continues, Kozloduy NPP will not need to reduce its output significantly for at least the next three weeks.

The Ministry said it has taken the necessary steps to promptly inform Bulgarian institutions and secure international assistance under agreements governing the management and use of the Danube’s waters. It maintains constant high-level contact with the Serbian and Romanian authorities.

The Ministry added that it is coordinating continuously with Kozloduy NPP, the National Electric Company and the Electricity System Operator to ensure the security and reliable operation of the electricity system.

Kozloduy NPP introduced measures at the end of the working week because of the record-low Danube level. At the initiative of Minister of Energy Iva Petrova, contact was established with Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic to seek assistance, within the technical capabilities of the Djerdap Hydropower Complex, in maintaining the Danube level downstream from Kozloduy NPP above the critical operating thresholds needed for the plant’s safe and reliable operation. The Djerdap Hydropower Complex and the Romanian hydropower system operate under the 1998 Convention on Operation signed by the governments of Serbia and Romania and under the conditions set out in the water-use permit.