Hungary braces for a full shutdown of the Paks nuclear plant as the Danube River hits record lows
Summary
Hungary’s only nuclear power plant, the Paks plant, will shut down completely for the first time because the Danube River’s water levels have fallen to record lows. The plant relies on river water to cool its reactors and is currently working at less than half its usual capacity.Key Facts
- The Paks nuclear plant produces about half of Hungary’s electricity.
- Low water levels in the Danube River have reduced the plant’s output from 2,000 MW to 965 MW.
- The plant uses Danube water to cool its reactors, and pumps cannot get enough water due to the drought.
- The shutdown is planned for early next week and is expected to last several weeks because no rain is forecast.
- Hungary has experienced a long drought causing problems for tourism, farming, and industry.
- A water level below negative 134 centimeters (below gauge zero) requires full shutdown; current levels may drop to negative 144 centimeters.
- The government asked big companies to reduce energy use, especially during peak hours in the evening.
- State institutions will turn off decorative lights to save energy, and parliamentary sessions were suspended to conserve power.
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