Hungary's Paks nuclear plant reduces output due to high Danube temperatures

The MVM group, operator of the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary, has announced a reduction in output by 243 MW for one of its four reactors. This decision was triggered by a record-breaking heatwave affecting the region. Measurements taken on Saturday morning showed the cooling water temperature of the Danube River downstream from the plant reached 29.7 degrees Celsius. This temperature exceeded the mandatory intervention threshold set at 29.5 degrees Celsius. Engineering adjustments to decrease output for reactor number 3 commenced at 14:00 GMT. The plant relies on the river water for cooling processes, necessitating these safety measures during extreme weather events. The facility remains under normal monitoring to ensure safe operation despite the thermal limitations.