Transelectrica Ensures Safe Operation of National Power System Amid Cernavodă Nuclear Units Shutdown
In the context of the temporary unavailability of the two nuclear units at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the National Power System is facing a significant operational demand, typical of such exceptional circumstances.
Transelectrica’s specialists, in collaboration with experts from all operational entities in the National Energy System (SEN), are continuously monitoring the evolution of SEN parameters. They are implementing all necessary technical measures to uphold the safe operation of the electricity transmission network and maintain the production-consumption balance, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
Transelectrica affirms that the National Power System is functioning safely, adhering to operational standards. The electricity transmission network of Romania operates in conjunction with European power systems, enhancing resilience and mitigating the risk of major operational disruptions.
During periods of heightened consumption and reduced domestic production, cross-border energy exchanges play a vital role in market functionality and the interconnected European energy system, the institution emphasizes.
The recent announcement from Transelectrica follows the automatic disconnection of Unit 2 at the Cernavodă NPP from the grid on the evening of May 4. This incident occurred due to a malfunction in an insulator associated with a power discharge transformer. Subsequently, on May 7, Nuclearelectrica SA declared that Unit 2 of the Cernavodă NPP will remain in a shutdown state for an extended period following evaluations by Cernavodă NPP specialists.
Furthermore, in line with the planned shutdown schedule and budget, Unit 1 of the Cernavodă NPP commenced a planned shutdown on May 10, 2026. Nuclearelectrica’s announcement ensures that all activities related to the transformer replacement at Unit 2 and the planned shutdown will be executed under secure conditions for plant personnel, the public, and the environment. These activities will adhere to approved procedures utilized at the Cernavodă NPP and nuclear safety regulations.
