A severe drought that has pushed the Danube River to record-low levels is forcing Serbia to sharply reduce electricity generation from its major hydroelectric plants, according to the country's energy minister.⁣ ⁣ Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said output at Serbia's two largest hydropower stations, Djerdap I and Djerdap II, has fallen to just 20% and 30% of capacity respectively as water levels continue to drop.⁣ ⁣ The two facilities normally provide around 18% of Serbia's electricity, with hydropower accounting for nearly a third of the country's overall energy mix.⁣ Meteorologists say there has been no significant rainfall in the region for five to six weeks, as prolonged heatwaves continue to affect much of Europe.⁣ ⁣ The drought is also creating challenges elsewhere along the Danube. In neighboring Hungary, authorities have announced the shutdown of the country's only nuclear power plant, which relies on river water for cooling.⁣ ⁣ #Serbia #Danube #Drought #Hydropower #Energy