Hungary’s Nuclear Power Plant Faces Shutdown Due to Low Danube Water Levels

Hungary’s solitary nuclear power plant will experience its first-ever shutdown because of historically low water levels in the Danube River. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced this development, stating that the Paks nuclear plant, situated approximately 90 kilometers south of Budapest, may remain offline for several weeks as the river continues to recede.

The Paks plant has reduced its output substantially, operating at less than half of its usual capacity by generating 965 megawatts instead of 2,000 megawatts. The plant relies on the Danube’s water for cooling its reactors. However, the low river levels have challenged the pumps’ capability to supply adequate water.

During a recent news conference held at the plant, Magyar indicated that additional reductions in output were expected later that Friday. He mentioned that the plant might be completely powered down by Tuesday or Wednesday. He assured that the shutdown process would be safe, posing no risk to the public or the environment.

The Paks plant, built by the Soviets and equipped with four reactors, contributes nearly half of Hungary’s electricity. If the plant shuts down, it will mark the first time in its 44-year history that it has done so.

Prolonged droughts have affected Hungary and much of Central Europe in the past months. This dry spell has disrupted tourism, agriculture, and industry, bringing the impact of climate change to the forefront for many residents.

In August, the water level in the Danube has risen only three times over the past 20 years. Magyar noted that the water level at Paks could drop to as low as negative 144 centimeters, significantly lower than the previous record of negative 98 centimeters set in 2018. A negative reading indicates that the river has fallen below the zero reference level of the gauge, rather than being entirely dry.

The Hungarian government has asked major companies to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption to stabilize the energy supply, especially during peak demand hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The Hungarian energy company MOL has agreed to cut its electricity usage by 65 megawatt-hours, representing a 40% reduction.

Additionally, Magyar stated that his party had proposed suspending parliamentary sessions planned for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday to conserve energy. Furthermore, all state institutions have been ordered to turn off decorative lighting by the start of the week.