Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear plant cuts output over low Danube levels

Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant has reduced output from both of its operating reactors because of low water levels in the Danube, the energy ministry said on October 6, BTA reported.

Output from Units 5 and 6 will be reduced by around 90 megawatts each, or nearly 180 MW in total, from October 6 as a precautionary measure, the ministry said.

The measure was imposed by a working group overseeing the safe and reliable operation of the reactors during prolonged periods of low river levels. It is the first time that output from Unit 6 has been reduced because of low Danube levels.

Unit 5 first had its output cut by about 120 MW on August 21, in what the energy ministry said was the first such reduction at the plant in its 52-year operating history due to extreme hydrological conditions.

Its output was gradually increased from August 31, but was cut again by around 60 MW on September 14 as water levels continued to decline. Unit 6 continued to operate according to its electricity generation schedule at that time.

Forecasts point to continued low water levels in the Danube, which could require additional measures under established procedures, the ministry said.

The two reactors at Kozloduy are Bulgaria's only operating nuclear units and have a combined installed capacity of about 2,000 MW.