Péter Magyar Announces First-Ever Shutdown of Hungary's Largest Nuclear Power Plant Due to Record-Low Danube River Levels
Péter Magyar, the Hungarian Prime Minister, announced that the Paks nuclear power plant will shut down for the first time in its 44-year history. The shutdown is necessitated by record-low water levels on the Danube River, which serves as the primary cooling source for the reactors. Currently operating at less than 50% capacity, the plant provides nearly half of Hungary's electricity. Magyar stated that the plant is expected to be completely powered down by early next week, with a shutdown period potentially lasting several weeks depending on the river's continued recession. The drought has also forced the government to request that large companies and citizens reduce energy consumption during peak hours. To conserve power, Magyar's party recommended suspending parliamentary sessions and ordering state institutions to turn off decorative lighting. The record low water levels have also impacted shipping, tourism, and agriculture across Central and Europe, exposing ancient artifacts and shipwrecks along the riverbed.