Hungary Halts Nuclear Plant for First Time in 44 Years Due to Low Danube Levels

Hungary has taken the unprecedented step of shutting down its only nuclear power plant, Paks, for the first time in its 44-year history. The shutdown, which began Sunday, is a direct consequence of critically low water levels in the Danube River, a vital cooling source for the facility.

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Due to the new drop in the water level of the Danube, one of the two last production units of the Paks nuclear power plant will be shut down at 1:30 AM on Sunday.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on his X account that one of the plant's two remaining production units would cease operations. This measure will drastically reduce the plant's electricity output to just 240 megawatts. The Paks plant, located about 100 kilometers south of Budapest, normally supplies 40% of Hungary's electricity, making this shutdown a significant event for the nation's energy supply.

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The production of the plant will thus fall to only 240 megawatts.

The low water levels are attributed to a severe heatwave affecting the region. This situation is not unique to Hungary; Germany's Rhine River is also experiencing a significant drop in water levels, which is impeding crucial riverine transportation. The reliance on these major waterways for both industrial cooling and commerce highlights their vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.

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The plant will be completely shut down for the first time in 44 years.