Péter Magyar Announces First-Ever Shutdown of Hungary's Only Nuclear Power Plant Due to Record-Low Danube River Levels
Péter Magyar, the Prime Minister of Hungary, announced that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant will undergo its first full shutdown in its 44-year history. The plant, which provides nearly half of Hungary's electricity, is being powered down because record-low water levels on the Danube River have hindered the pumps' ability to draw in enough water for cooling the reactors. Magyar stated that the river level at Paks reached a point where a full shutdown was necessary, with levels expected to fall as low as negative 144 centimeters. This record-breaking drought has also impacted shipping, tourism, and agriculture across Central Europe. To stabilize the energy supply, the administration has requested that large companies voluntarily reduce their energy consumption during peak hours. Magyar also recommended suspending parliamentary sessions to conserve energy and ordered state institutions to turn off decorative lighting. The shutdown is expected to last for several weeks as no significant rainfall is forecast in the near future.