On Bolojan's model, Péter Magyar announces exceptional measures in Hungary due to energy crisis

Hungary is implementing exceptional measures to conserve energy as a potential crisis looms, driven by critically low water levels in the Danube River that have hampered the Paks nuclear power plant's output.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced a package of extraordinary steps aimed at rapidly reducing energy consumption. The Paks plant, Hungary's primary source of electricity, is operating at a significantly reduced capacity because the Danube's low flow prevents adequate cooling of its reactors. Officials have not ruled out a complete shutdown of the plant this weekend, which would be a first in its 44-year operational history.

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Starting Monday, we will order the cessation of freight rail traffic during the most critical time interval, between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Thus, we will reduce the energy consumption of the railway system during the evening and free up additional reserves.

Inspired by a similar initiative in Oradea, Romania, Magyar warned that the situation could worsen. Key measures include halting freight rail traffic between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, starting Monday, to decrease the railway system's energy use during evening hours. Public sector employees will also be encouraged to work from home for the first three days of next week, where feasible.

Magyar urged private companies to adopt similar remote work policies and minimize energy consumption in office buildings. He also called for the cessation of non-essential decorative lighting in state institutions and requested local administrations nationwide to implement stringent energy-saving measures. The government is also preparing for further actions if the situation deteriorates and is maintaining communication with Austrian and Slovak water management authorities regarding water supply security.

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We request private companies and employers to ensure, in the coming days, work from home for all employees whose activity can be carried out remotely and to reduce the energy consumption of office buildings to the minimum possible.