Danube at Record Low, Hungary's Paks Nuclear Plant Faces First Full Shutdown in 44 Years

On August 2, Hungarian authorities stated that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant may halt electricity generation due to the Danube River dropping to a historic low. This is the country's only nuclear power plant, with an installed capacity of approximately 2 gigawatts, generating nearly half of Hungary's total electricity output.

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant draws water from the Danube for cooling. Due to persistent high temperatures and insufficient rainfall, the Danube's water level has been continuously declining recently. Hungarian water authorities predict that the river, which flows from Germany to the Black Sea, will see further drops in water levels in the coming days. As of 18:37 GMT on August 2, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant's output was only slightly above 10% of its installed capacity.

Péter Magyar stated in a social media video that Hungary is facing “the most critical five days,” with the Paks Nuclear Power Plant set to halt electricity generation, while maximum temperatures in the coming days could reach 40 degrees Celsius. He also noted that the power grid, public services, and residents' daily lives would all come under significant strain. According to him, the four Russian-made reactors at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant could be shut down for several weeks; the exact duration of the shutdown will be determined by the plant's management in compliance with strict safety protocols.

The day before, the second-to-last unit at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant was taken offline as the Danube's water level continued to drop, reducing the plant's output to approximately 240 megawatts. Hungarian authorities stated that the plant may halt electricity generation entirely for the first time in 44 years.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia is closely monitoring Hungary's energy situation and is prepared to offer assistance if necessary. Slovak authorities noted that the country's nuclear power plants are currently operating at planned output levels. Márk Radnai estimated that if import electricity prices continue to rise, this crisis could impose a cost burden of 100 billion to 200 billion forints on Hungary, equivalent to approximately $315 million to $630 million.