Danube Water Level Drop May Affect Operation of Paks Nuclear Power Plant

Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar stated after inspecting the Paks Nuclear Power Plant that the Danube water level has dropped again, which may lead to a further reduction in the plant's power output next week, or even pose a risk of shutdown.

At a press conference, Magyar said that about a week ago, heavy rainfall occurred in the Austrian catchment area, temporarily alleviating the low water level of the Danube, but the positive effects of the rainfall have since diminished. According to forecasts, the Danube water level may drop to -132 cm on August 16 or 17, a level approaching the critical operating conditions of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. If this level is reached, one of the two currently operating turbines may need to be shut down again.

He noted that existing forecasts cover the next 6 to 7 days, during which the Danube water level may further drop to between -136 cm and -137 cm. Magyar emphasized that if the water level falls to approximately -140 cm, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant would have to cease operations entirely.

According to reports, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant has a total of 8 turbines, with the second turbine having been started on the evening of August 10. Currently, the plant's power output is 480 MWh, while the planned output is 2000 MWh.

The Hungarian side had previously downgraded the high-temperature danger level from the highest Level 3 to Level 2 on August 8.