Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar warns of potential energy crisis as record-low Danube River water levels threaten nuclear power plant.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar warned that the country's sole nuclear power station faces a potential shutdown due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. The Paks nuclear power plant, which produces nearly half of Hungary's electricity, requires water from the river to cool its reactor core. If the plant shuts down for the first time in 44 years, it could trigger a widespread energy crisis across the region. Magyar noted that while water management forecasts have become slightly more optimistic, the next five days are expected to be the most critical. The heat wave impacting Europe has also forced Romania to declare a state of emergency as two of its reactors were forced to shut down last month. To mitigate the water shortage, Romanian naval forces used controlled explosions to divert water flow. The situation highlights the growing importance of water as a critical energy commodity. While Hungary has maintained a stable energy supply so far by reducing consumption, Magyar thanked the nation for its efforts during this period of uncharted territory.