Péter Magyar reports that Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant may face a complete shutdown due to record-low Danube River levels.
Hungary and Romania are facing a potential energy crisis as record-low water levels on the Danube River force nuclear power plants to reduce output or shut down. In Hungary, Péter Magyar reported that the Paks nuclear power plant, which provides nearly half of the country's electricity, is operating at less than half its capacity. While engineers managed to keep the final operating turbine running temporarily, Péter Magyar noted that a full shutdown is likely within 24 to 72 hours. In neighboring Romania, the Cernavodǎ nuclear plant has already shut down one of its two reactors due to the severe drought. Romanian authorities used 180kg of explosives to redirect water to the plant. Meanwhile, Serbia's key hydroelectric plant is operating at only 20% capacity. To mitigate the deficit, Hungary has implemented voluntary and mandatory power cuts for industrial users and households. The record-low water levels are attributed to a combination of climate change and a deepening riverbed, with no significant rainfall forecast to alleviate the conditions in the near term.