ClimateEurope

How drought threatens Europe's electricity supplies

Keno Verseck

08/06/2026August 6, 2026

Droughts, heat and falling water levels in the Danube are hitting central and southeastern Europe hard. Hungary and Romania are experiencing an energy crisis — whereas countries like Bulgaria are better prepared.

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The Drought's Impact on Energy in Central and Southeastern Europe

Drought is painting a grim picture across Central and Southeastern Europe. Reports of parched riverbeds and asphalt melting under relentless heat highlight a dire situation. Countries like Hungary and Romania are currently facing severe energy crises, while nations like Bulgaria seem to have dodged the worst of it. The economic fallout from this relentless dry spell has been profound. Agriculture, particularly crops like maize and sunflowers, is suffering with yields expected to drop significantly. But the repercussions extend beyond farming; the power generation sector is now feeling the pinch. The low water levels in the Danube have stifled electricity generation, prompting several countries to halt production at key facilities. In Hungary and Romania, the energy crisis has intensified. The Danube, a critical lifeline for hydroelectric power, is running dry, leaving these nations grappling with electricity shortages. Conversely, Bulgaria stands out as better equipped to handle these challenges due to its proactive energy strategies. Let’s break down what’s happening country by country.

Hungary: Facing an Unprecedented Energy Crisis

Hungary is perhaps the worst hit, grappling with the most serious energy crisis in decades. Extended periods of extreme heat and minimal rainfall have decimated local water sources. The capital, Budapest, reported scorching temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit), compounding the challenge. The Hungarian Paks nuclear power plant has largely ground to a halt due to insufficient cooling water, operating at a mere 12% capacity. A direct result of the Danube's diminished levels, if conditions persist, this is a facility that may shut down entirely. In response, the government is pushing major consumers to cut back on electricity usage, with industries like automotive and oil production already scaling back. What’s particularly alarming is Hungary's heavy dependence on a single power source. The Paks plant accounts for nearly half of the national electricity supply. While the country has invested in solar energy, insufficient storage and a lack of diversified energy sources make the situation precarious.

Romania: Creative Solutions Amid Crisis

Romania is not far behind in the energy crisis, dealing with similar challenges though slightly less severe than Hungary. The Cernavoda nuclear facility, which generates about 20% of Romania's electricity, has been compelled to take one of its reactors offline due to the low water levels. Faced with this predicament, authorities are resorting to radical measures. They recently blasted a rock formation to reroute water into a more favorable part of the Danube in hopes of increasing flow to the nuclear plant’s intake. Despite having a more balanced energy portfolio that includes hydropower, Romania is still vulnerable because of its reliance on the Danube for cooling. Romania’s situation is further complicated by the broader climatic shifts leading to desertification, which is steadily affecting soil quality over the long term.

Serbia: A Heavy Reliance on Coal

Serbia’s energy landscape resembles that of its neighbors but is equally strained by low water levels. Approximately 65% of Serbia’s electricity is generated from coal-fired plants, with hydropower accounting for 25%. This mix is particularly ill-suited for periods of drought, and the country's coal plants have been forced to scale back due to water shortages. Interestingly, while Serbia faces significant challenges, it hasn't yet seen major industrial slowdowns. However, the transport of coal and petrochemical products via the Danube is severely hampered as vessels can only carry minimal loads under current conditions.

Slovakia & Austria: Better Shields Against Drought

Contrasting with its neighbors, Slovakia is experiencing comparatively less disruption. With a strong nuclear footprint, about 60% of its electricity comes from nuclear sources, which are less impacted thanks to cooling systems designed to minimize water use. The impact on its hydropower facilities has also been limited. Austria’s resilient model similarly leans heavily on hydropower but does include storage capabilities that help buffer against such droughts, allowing it to manage shortages more effectively than countries relying solely on run-of-river plants.

Bulgaria: The Best Prepared

Bulgaria stands out for its preparedness. The country, which generates a significant portion of its electricity from the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, has better-designed cooling systems than its regional counterparts. Additionally, Bulgaria has dramatically expanded its renewable energy options and boasts impressive battery storage capabilities, allowing it to stabilize its electricity supply without major disruptions. Bulgaria’s strategy positions it as a potential leader in regional energy stability, giving it a buffer against the crises affecting its neighbors. While drought may seem like a seasonal issue, its cascading effects on electricity supply are unequivocally severe. The situation is complex and requires a tailored approach for each nation to navigate this pressing challenge and ensure energy security for the future.