Hungary to disconnect nuclear reactor for 48 hours due to drought

Hungary is temporarily shutting down its only operating nuclear reactor for 48 hours because the Danube River's water level has fallen to a historic low due to a severe drought. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the measure, emphasizing that the country's energy supply remains stable.

The Paks nuclear plant, responsible for half of Hungary's energy consumption, is operating with only one of its two turbines. "Surely today, and perhaps still tomorrow, this turbine that produces 240 megawatts of energy can remain operational," Magyar told reporters, a fraction of the plant's usual 2,000 megawatts output.

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the country's energy supply is stable

This marks the first time the 44-year-old Paks plant has been disconnected. The drought, accompanied by temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, has significantly lowered the Danube's water level to 138 centimeters below normal. While nuclear safety is not compromised, the plant can only be reactivated once water levels improve.

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Surely today, and perhaps still tomorrow, this turbine that produces 240 megawatts of energy can remain operational

Magyar noted that solar parks generate enough electricity between 11:00 and 16:00 hours, allowing for exports, but the country must import power at night. He thanked Hungarians for reducing consumption, saving 700 megawatts on Sunday alone. The government aims for these savings not to harm economic activity or the population.

The National Water Directorate expects the Danube's level to rise over the weekend, with increased water flow anticipated from Austria, where rain is forecast. Meteorologists predict temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius for Thursday, with a slight reduction starting Friday.

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it is difficult to predict the height of the Danube