Record low Danube levels shut down Hungary's Paks plant

Record low water levels in the Danube River have forced Hungary to permanently shut down its only nuclear power plant and have caused significant reductions to Romania's nuclear output, highlighting the severe strain that a prolonged European heatwave is placing on energy and transportation systems. The shutdown at Hungary's Paks plant, announced by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, marks the first time the facility has ceased operations in its 44-year history, with the complete shutdown occurring on July 30.

The crisis stems from critically low river levels that have deprived the Soviet-era Paks plant of sufficient cooling water. Prime Minister Magyar warned that Hungary's energy supply could become critical starting August 3, prompting a public appeal for voluntary electricity conservation, particularly during peak evening hours. He stated that coordinated steps and self-restraint would be needed to avoid more severe consequences and said the government was preparing a list of large consumers whose supply could be formally limited if a rotational shutdown regime becomes necessary.

In Romania, authorities took similar action earlier in the week, shutting down one of the two reactors...