Péter Magyar reports Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant narrowly avoided a complete shutdown due to record-low Danube water levels.
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant nearly faced a total shutdown as record-low water levels in the Danube River threatened its cooling system. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the plant was only millimeters away from a complete halt before the water level stabilized and rose slightly. This situation highlights the broader climate crisis in Europe, where extreme heat and drought have significantly reduced hydropower production across the continent. In Alpine regions, hydropower flow is near an all-time low, with Austria and Switzerland seeing production levels significantly below average. This drop in hydro output has forced some countries to rely more on fossil fuels, while solar generation reached record highs in 2025. Experts suggest that 'hybridisation'—combining wind, solar, and hydro behind a single grid connection—could improve grid efficiency and and help countries diversify their renewable energy mix to withstand climate-driven weather extremes.