Ministry of National Defence contributes to national efforts to safeguard energy security

In the context of measures taken by the Romanian authorities to mitigate the effects of the hydrological drought on the national energy system, the Ministry of National Defence is contributing, alongside other state institutions, to the construction of a submerged sill on the Bala branch of the Danube. The works are intended to ensure the water flow required for the safe operation of Reactor 2 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant.

Structures of the Romanian Naval Forces — the 39th Diver Centre “Admiral Ilie Ștefan”, the River Flotilla and the Maritime Hydrographic Directorate “Commander Alexandru Cătuneanu” — are taking part in the mission in cooperation with the 10th Engineer Brigade.

The Ministry of National Defence has deployed 102 military personnel, together with the specialized equipment, technical expertise and capabilities required to carry out the works.

As part of the mission, EOD specialists from the 39th Diver Centre “Admiral Ilie Ștefan” conducted a controlled detonation to remove a rock formation from the riverbed of the Bala branch. The operation was necessary for the construction of the submerged sill and the redistribution of water flows towards the Old Danube branch. It was carried out without incident and in full compliance with established safety procedures.

Through its participation in this mission, the Ministry of National Defence contributes to the protection of critical infrastructure of strategic importance and demonstrates the Romanian Armed Forces’ ability to rapidly provide specialized capabilities in support of national authorities in managing crisis situations with implications for energy and national security.

The Press Office