Hungarian Engineers Keep Paks Nuclear Plant Online Despite Falling Danube Levels

According to the minister, the situation nevertheless remains tense. The Hungarian water authority registered new low-water records for the Danube over the weekend. The authority is closely monitoring the level and is in constant contact with the operator. If the level drops further below critical marks, the facility would have to be taken fully offline, government circles said.

Power Supply Secured Through Imports

Hungary's electricity supply is currently being secured through increased imports from neighboring countries, particularly Slovakia and Austria. Gas-fired power plants are also running at full capacity, according to government statements, to compensate for the loss of nuclear capacity. The government has called on the population to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption.

Further reports from Budapest said Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had been kept continuously informed of the situation. A government spokesman stressed that this was a "manageable challenge." At the same time, experts warned that a prolonged shutdown of the plant could put further pressure on energy prices in the country.

Low Water Affects Multiple Countries

The Danube, which flows through a total of ten countries, has been suffering from low water levels for months. Austria and Slovakia also recorded levels in recent weeks that were in some cases below previous record marks. The drought is attributed to a combination of low precipitation and persistently high summer temperatures.

The Paks NPP, Hungary's only nuclear power plant, was commissioned in the 1980s using Soviet technology. With the planned commissioning of two additional reactors based on Russian technology, the government aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. Environmentalists warn, however, of the risks of a site that is already under climatic strain today.

Safety Is the Top Priority

The coming days are considered decisive. Should the Danube continue to rise or at least remain stable, the remaining reactor block could continue to operate continuously. However, if the level drops again, a complete shutdown threatens, which would further exacerbate the supply situation.

The government and operator emphasized that the safety of the population is the top priority. An emergency shutdown is only planned if the cooling water supply can no longer be technically guaranteed. Magyar announced that he would provide further updates on the situation during the course of the day.