Peter Magyar confirms Paks Nuclear Power Plant closure as Danube River reaches record low water levels
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant will be completely shut down for the first time in 44 years due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. The facility, which generates nearly half of Hungary's electricity, requires water from the river to cool its reactors. As the Danube recedes, it has exposed various relics, including a sunken Nazi warship in Serbia and an ancient mammoth skeleton in Bulgaria. The low water levels have also disrupted regional shipping and tourism, forcing cargo ships to reduce loads and cruise ships to dock further upriver. The drought is driven by extreme heat, which scientists say is pulling moisture out of the river faster than usual. With no significant rain forecast for the next two weeks, Hungary and Romania have declared states of alert to manage the severe water shortages and potential energy crises. Peter Magyar noted that while the country may meet its energy needs through imports, the combination of high demand and lower domestic production could create a critical situation.