Record low Danube levels push some countries in Eastern Europe to the brink of energy emergency
Summary
Record low water levels in the Danube River have caused serious problems for power plants in Central and Eastern Europe. Hungary’s only nuclear power plant, Paks, which uses river water to cool its reactors, is close to shutting down because of the drought and heat waves.Key Facts
- The Danube River’s water level in Budapest dropped to about 10 centimeters, a new record low.
- The previous lowest level was 33 centimeters in 2018.
- No rain is expected soon, and high temperatures above 38°C (100°F) are forecasted.
- Low water levels reduce cooling water for the Paks nuclear plant in Hungary.
- The Paks plant’s output dropped from 2,000 megawatts to just 240 megawatts.
- The Paks plant provides nearly half of Hungary’s electricity and about one-third is consumed locally.
- Hungarian engineers temporarily kept one turbine running to delay a full shutdown.
- Hungary is trying to manage the power shortage by importing electricity and using renewable energy.
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