Hungary is temporarily shutting down its sole nuclear power facility, the Paks nuclear plant, due to critically low water levels in the Danube River. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated on Friday that the closure might last several weeks as water levels continue to fall.
The plant, situated about 90 kilometers south of Budapest, normally produces 2,000 megawatts of power but is now operating at less than half capacity, generating 965 megawatts. The plant relies on water from the Danube to cool its reactors; however, the low water levels have challenged the pumps’ efficiency in supplying adequate amounts of water.
During a news conference at the plant, Magyar noted that further reductions in output were expected later on Friday, with a full shutdown likely by Tuesday or Wednesday. He reassured that the shutdown could be managed safely and would not pose risks to the public or environment.
The Paks plant, built during the Soviet era with four reactors, generates nearly half of Hungary’s electricity. This shutdown marks its first in 44 years of operation. Recently, Central Europe has faced prolonged droughts, affecting tourism, agriculture, and industry, emphasizing the impacts of climate change. No significant rainfall is expected in the coming days or weeks, implying that the water levels will remain low.
Magyar mentioned that the Danube’s water levels have risen only three times in August over the last two decades. He highlighted that the levels at Paks could drop to negative 144 centimeters, significantly below the previous record of negative 98 centimeters set in 2018. A full shutdown is required when levels reach negative 134 centimeters, as indicated, meaning the river has fallen below its gauge zero reference point, not that it’s dry.
The Hungarian government has called upon large energy-consuming companies to voluntarily reduce their consumption to stabilize energy supply. This is particularly necessary during peak demand hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. MOL, a major Hungarian energy company, has pledged to cut its electricity usage by 65 megawatt-hours, a 40% reduction from usual consumption.
In addition, the government has proposed suspending parliamentary sessions scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to conserve energy. All state institutions have been instructed to switch off decorative lighting by Monday.