Hungary’s Nuclear Plant to Shut Down Amid Low Water Levels

Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant is scheduled to shut down for the first time in its history due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the decision and warned that the plant might remain offline for several weeks as water levels are expected to continue dropping.

Located around 90 kilometers south of Budapest, the Paks plant is currently operating at less than half its normal capacity, generating only 965 megawatts instead of the usual 2,000. The plant relies on the Danube for cooling water, but current levels have hindered the pumps’ ability to supply adequate quantities. As a result, further output reductions are expected, and the plant is likely to shut down completely by midweek.

Despite the shutdown, Magyar emphasized that the process will be carried out safely, posing no risk to the public or the environment. Built during the Soviet era, the four-reactor plant at Paks has been in service for 44 years and provides nearly half of Hungary’s electricity.

Central Europe, including Hungary, has experienced prolonged droughts in recent months, which have impacted tourism, agriculture, and industry, highlighting the ongoing effects of climate change. With no significant rainfall expected soon, water levels on the Danube are unlikely to rise. The current situation marks only the third time in 20 years that water levels have risen in August. Water gauge readings at Paks could drop to negative 144 centimeters, well below the previous record of negative 98 centimeters set in 2018. A reading of negative 134 centimeters necessitates the plant’s complete shutdown.

To stabilize energy supplies, the Hungarian government has asked major energy consumers to voluntarily reduce their consumption during peak hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Hungarian conglomerate MOL has pledged to cut its electricity use by 65 megawatt-hours, a 40% reduction. Additionally, Magyar’s party recommended suspending parliamentary sessions scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to conserve energy. All state institutions have been ordered to turn off decorative lighting by Monday.