Paks Shutdown Costs Billions: Problems Foreseen but Unprepared For

Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant was forced into a complete shutdown, a situation experts had warned about due to low water levels in the Danube River. Despite clear indications of risk by late July, the plant only began its full shutdown on July 30. Technical solutions to maintain water levels, which could have prevented the crisis, were reportedly only initiated after the situation had already worsened.

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the danger did not appear from one day to the next: water and energy experts had previously indicated the risks arising from the low water level of the Danube, and by the end of July it was already clear that Paks' performance would have to be reduced.

During the unfolding crisis, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was present at the Hungaroring for the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix. He held a press conference and met with F1 officials, later presenting the trophy to the winner. Following this, the government began discussing emergency measures, consumption restrictions, and attributing blame to previous administrations.

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the necessary intervention – the technical solution to ensure the water level – only began to be implemented after the deepening of the crisis.

This sequence of events has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the delayed implementation of preventative measures despite prior warnings from water and energy experts. The juxtaposition of the Prime Minister's attendance at a high-profile sporting event while the country faced a potential energy crisis highlights concerns about preparedness and response.

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emergency measures, crisis situation and consumption restrictions, and blaming the previous governments.