Hungary suspends Paks nuclear plant operations due to low Danube water levels

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced the suspension of operations at the Paks nuclear power plant, the country's only facility of its kind, due to historic low water levels in the Danube River. Located 100 kilometers south of Budapest, the plant relies on river water to cool its four Soviet-era reactors. This marks the first time in 44 years that the facility has been forced to halt operations.

Reports on the plant's contribution to the national energy grid vary slightly, with sources citing between 40% and 50% of Hungary's electricity supply. The shutdowns were triggered by a prolonged heatwave and lack of rainfall across Europe since the spring, which caused water levels to drop critically. In response, the government is introducing an emergency decree requiring large industrial users to voluntarily reduce energy consumption, with mandatory restrictions to follow if targets are not met.

The situation remains critical as the government manages the energy shortfall. Authorities have not yet provided a specific timeline for the resumption of the plant's operations, as the reactivation depends entirely on water levels recovering sufficiently to ensure safe cooling of the reactor units.