Hungary has suspended operations at its Paks nuclear facility as low Danube water levels impact cooling, prompting government calls for energy conservation.
Key facts
- •The Paks Nuclear Power Plant generates 40 percent of Hungary's total electricity.
- •This is the first time the facility has been completely shut down in 44 years.
- •The shutdown is caused by a drop in the Danube River's water level, which is required for cooling the plant's reactors.
- •Temperatures in Budapest are expected to rise above 40 degrees Celsius next week.
- •The government has asked for reduced electricity usage between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which provides 40 percent of Hungary's electricity, will be shut down due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. The facility, which uses river water for cooling, will be offline for the first time in 44 years. Magyar warned of a critical five-day period ahead as the country faces an energy crisis amid an ongoing heatwave.
By the numbers
Energy Conservation Measures
The government has requested that households and businesses reduce electricity consumption, particularly during peak hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to limit the use of air conditioning and washing machines to help manage the strain on the national power system. Authorities have also developed an emergency plan that includes rotating temporary consumption restrictions for industrial facilities and increasing output from other power plants.
Regional and European Response
The European Commission stated on Friday that it is monitoring the situation and is prepared to convene an emergency meeting of the Electricity Coordination Group. Additionally, regional neighbors have offered support to Hungary as it navigates the potential energy shortfall during a period where temperatures in Budapest are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Timeline
- FridayThe European Commission announced it is monitoring the situation.
- SaturdayPrime Minister Péter Magyar announced the plant would be shut down.
- SundayMagyar issued a video appeal regarding the critical five-day period ahead.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Politico Europe.
