High temperatures and drought cause low water levels in European rivers, threatening both nuclear power generation and industrial transportation

(1) Persistent high temperatures and drought have caused water levels of several major rivers in Europe to drop to historic lows, with both the Danube and the Rhine experiencing declines that threaten the stability of energy supply and industrial supply chains. (2) At Romania's Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, two reactors were at risk of complete shutdown; the plant relies on Danube water for cooling and supplies about one-fifth of the country's electricity. Currently, the Danube's water level has dropped to one-third of the average level for July, marking the first time the plant has faced an operational crisis due to low water levels. (3) At Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant (the country's only nuclear power plant, providing over 40% of its electricity), one of the four units has already been shut down. Prime Minister Orbán has warned that the remaining three units may also be forced to close; Danube water levels are expected to continue falling in the coming weeks, making a short-term restart unlikely. (4) Low water levels on the Rhine have impacted inland shipping within Germany, with ship cargo capacity down to about 20% of normal, and transport costs have soared—the tanker shipping rate from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe has risen to more than triple the end-of-June level. (5) German shipping and economic sectors have warned that if hot and dry conditions persist into August, freight transport on some stretches of the Rhine will be restricted. Shortages of coal, crude oil, and natural gas—industrial raw materials dependent on inland shipping—may occur, and these shortages could spread along the supply chain to affect multiple industries.