Hungary Plans to Sink Two Barges Near Paks Nuclear Power Plant to Raise Danube Water Level

Hungarian authorities plan to conduct controlled sinking of two giant barges, each about 80 meters long, in the river section near the Paks Nuclear Power Plant on August 14, aiming to raise the local water level of the Danube and ensure cooling water supply for the nuclear power units.

According to European sources, after the two barges are sunk, the water level in the relevant river section is expected to rise by about 20 centimeters. Recently, persistent high temperatures across many parts of Europe have driven the Danube's water level to a low point, putting pressure on water intake and power generation along the river.

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is the only operating nuclear power plant in Hungary. Due to the low water level of the Danube, the plant's power output has dropped to about 25% of its installed capacity.

Earlier this week, Hungarian authorities also announced plans to build a riverbed weir on the Danube. Under current expectations, the project could raise the water level in the relevant river section by about 1 meter.