Low Danube and Rhine water levels force nuclear plant closures and slash cargo capacity, threatening energy output and supply chains.
Romania shut its sole Danube-cooled nuclear reactor after water levels fell, prompting underwater detonations to boost flow. Hungary’s Paks plant, supplying 40% of its electricity, faces similar risks, while Serbia cut hydropower output.
The Rhine’s water level at Kaub hit 24 cm, the lowest since 1880, far below the 78 cm threshold for full cargo loads. Barges now operate at reduced capacity, raising freight costs and disrupting industrial supply chains in Germany and Switzerland.
The drought compounds Europe’s energy crisis, with nuclear and hydropower output at risk. Transport bottlenecks on key rivers could further strain inflation and economic growth.