Hungary's new PM faces worst energy crisis as drought idles 3 of 4 nuclear reactors

Hungary's new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, is confronting its most severe energy crisis just months after taking power. Record low water levels in the Danube River have forced three of the four reactors at the Paks nuclear power plant to cease operations, leaving only one turbine running at a fraction of its normal capacity.

The situation is dire, with the operating reactor producing only 240 megawatts, approximately 12% of the plant's 2,000-megawatt capability. If the Danube's water level continues to drop, Hungary's sole nuclear facility, operational since 1982, could face a complete shutdown for the first time. This threat emerges during a critical period, as extreme heat drives up demand for air conditioning and electricity, while the prolonged drought simultaneously reduces the water needed for cooling the remaining reactor.

The Danube's water level in Budapest has fallen to just 10 centimeters, significantly below the previous record low of 33 centimeters in 2018. With no substantial rainfall predicted in the coming days and temperatures expected to soar, Prime Minister Magyar faces his first major political challenge. His government, which assumed office on May 9, 2026, following a decisive election victory, must now navigate the complex task of ensuring the nation's electricity supply amidst a near-paralysis of its primary energy source.

The Paks plant is crucial, generating nearly half of Hungary's national electricity output and meeting about one-third of the country's consumption. The shortfall necessitates reliance on other power sources, renewables, and imports, but cross-border grid capacity and strained European energy markets complicate these options. The government has warned that Paks could be offline for weeks if river levels do not recover, with potential additional costs ranging from $315 million to $630 million due to increased electricity import prices.

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This is very good news because a total shutdown of the plant can still be avoided for the time being.