Hungary Plans to Build Bottom Sills on the Danube to Ensure Cooling Water for Paks Nuclear Power Plant

Hungarian authorities stated that the government has decided to construct bottom sills in the Danube section near the Paks Nuclear Power Plant to raise local water levels and ensure water intake conditions for reactor cooling.

In a video address, Péter Magyar said that the relevant works will commence immediately, with bottom sills to be built between the two banks of the Danube. He noted that if the Paks Nuclear Power Plant were to suspend operations, Hungary would incur costs of approximately 137 million euros per month; in contrast, the measures to raise water levels involve a one-time investment, with an estimated cost of 16.5 million euros.

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is a key source of electricity for Hungary. According to currently disclosed information, the second of the plant's 8 turbines was started on the evening of August 10, with current power generation at 480 MWh, compared to a planned output of 2000 MWh.

Previously, Hungary had downgraded the high-temperature danger level from the highest level three to level two on August 8.