Ilie Bolojan. Photo: Inquam Photos / George Călin
Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced that the country’s largest companies will reduce their electricity consumption from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.—during peak load hours on the power grid. Decisions will be made taking into account the specific nature of each company’s production: some enterprises will be able to temporarily suspend operations, while others will be required to maintain a minimum level of consumption.
Representatives from about 80 companies—each of which consumes more than 50,000 MWh of electricity per year—as well as representatives from business associations, participated in the meeting with the government. In total, more than 140 people took part in the discussions.
According to Bolojan, a number of large enterprises have already begun shifting production processes and maintenance to periods of high demand. In particular, automakers Dacia and Ford have temporarily halted production, a move that authorities estimate will reduce consumption by approximately 200 MW, Reuters reports.
In addition, the government has asked local authorities and government agencies to reduce the use of architectural lighting on buildings. In cities where lighting systems allow for remote control, authorities intend to lower the intensity of lighting during the evening hours.
The energy shortage in Romania is linked to record-low water levels in the Danube. According to the prime minister, the river’s flow rate has dropped to approximately 1,450 cubic meters per second—below the previous low recorded in 2003. Authorities expect the figures to decline further in the coming days.
Due to the low water levels, output from hydroelectric power plants has decreased, and the first power unit at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant has been shut down. Authorities are currently taking measures to keep the plant’s second unit operational, including carrying out work on the Danube to increase the water inflow to the facility.
According to DiGi24, Bolojan stated that in the evenings, Romania is forced to cover its electricity shortfall through imports. “Domestic consumption on certain days exceeds 7,500 MW. Under these conditions, we import more than 2,200 MW every night. By comparison, Hungary imports about 4,500 MW, and the Republic of Moldova—about 500 MW. So, in terms of imports, there is significant pressure in the evenings that we must address,” said Ilie Boloyan.
The government also stated that gas-fired power plants and solar generation are operating at maximum capacity. Authorities have called on companies, government agencies, and citizens to voluntarily reduce consumption to avoid placing an additional burden on the power grid.
It should be noted that the power supply situation has become more complicated throughout the region. Due to the drought, problems with electricity generation and the operation of power facilities have also arisen in Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Moldova.
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