Hungary to halt nuclear power plant for first time in 44 years

Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant is set to halt operations entirely for the first time in its 44-year history. This unprecedented shutdown is a direct consequence of the severe energy crisis gripping Europe, exacerbated by prolonged drought and extreme heat.

The Paks plant, located south of Budapest, typically provides roughly one-third of Hungary's electricity. Its cooling system depends on water pumped from the Danube River. However, a lack of rainfall and persistent heatwaves since May have driven the Danube's water level to record lows, jeopardizing the plant's ability to function safely.

According to reports, one of the two remaining operational blocks at Paks will be stopped early Wednesday, reducing the plant's output to just 240 megawatts. The full shutdown is expected by Wednesday, marking a significant event for the country's energy supply. Meteorologists predict temperatures could exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days, potentially matching national heat records.

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Dėl tolesnio Dunojaus vandens lygio kritimo vienas iš dviejų paskutinių veikiančių Pakšo atominės elektrinės blokų bus sustabdytas 1.30 val. nakties. Dėl to elektrinės galia nukris iki vos 240 megavatų, o rytoj, pirmą kartą per 44 metus, ji bus visiškai sustabdyta.