Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Plant Teeters on the Edge as Europe’s Heatwave Drains the Danube

Hungary’s sole nuclear power facility at Paks, normally supplying about one-third of the country’s electricity, was reduced to a single operating turbine delivering roughly 240 MW—about 12 % of its normal output—after record-low Danube water levels threatened a shutdown.

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Narrowly Avoids Shutdown During Heat Wave Hungary announces closure of sole nuclear plant due to heat wave Hungary Extends Heat Alert as Paks Continues Operating CNNNPRUsNews and World ReportHeat record broken again, Hungary one of the hottest country Times of IsraelPersistent Heat Dome Expands East: 40°C+ Highs Target Central Europe and the Balkans

A heat dome over Central and Eastern Europe has pushed daytime temperatures above 40 °C, driving severe drought and historic lows in the Danube’s flow. The river provides cooling water for the Paks reactors; insufficient flow forces output reductions or shutdowns.

UsNews and World Report

• Operating capacity: 240 MW (?12 % of normal).

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Narrowly Avoids Shutdown During Heat Wave

• Water level change: River rose 1.5 cm after a brief decline that had brought the plant within millimetres of shutdown.

Hungary announces closure of sole nuclear plant due to heat wave

• Temperature forecast: HungaroMet projects highs of 40–42 °C, with a 42 °C peak expected on Thursday.

Heat record broken again, Hungary one of the hottest country

• Energy consumption: Hungary is using more than 500 MW less than a typical summer day, thanks to voluntary cuts by industry and households.

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Narrowly Avoids Shutdown During Heat Wave

• Industrial pledges: 837 medium- and large-scale consumers have agreed to curtail or shift over 600 MW of demand.

Hungary Extends Heat Alert as Paks Continues Operating

The Defence Task Force said the remaining turbine can operate safely while water levels stay above the critical threshold, emphasizing nuclear safety. Energy Minister István Kapitány noted that “imports are secured and consumption is lower as a result of the cooperation.” The task force extended a third-degree heat alert through Friday and urged continued voluntary energy savings, especially during evening peak hours (5 p.m.–10 p.m.).

Hungary Extends Heat Alert as Paks Continues Operating

Romanian authorities have conducted controlled explosions on the Danube’s Bala canal to divert water toward their Cernavoda plant, illustrating regional cooperation.

CNN

• “We are facing the most critical five days ahead,” — Péter Magyar, Hungarian prime minister

Times of Israel

• “Around 1:30 a.m. we were a few millimeters away from completely shutting down the Paks Power Plant, but then the water level stopped falling and by morning it had risen 1.5 centimeters. The last turbine is currently operating safely,” — Péter Magyar, Hungarian prime minister

NPR

The near-shutdown shows how heatwaves can jeopardize critical energy infrastructure. With Paks at minimal capacity, Hungary must rely more on imports and demand-reduction measures, exposing the grid to strain. Low Danube levels affect multiple countries’ nuclear plants, prompting coordinated actions such as Romania’s water-diversion efforts.

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Narrowly Avoids Shutdown During Heat Wave

• Both figures describe the same reduced state but differ in exact percentage.

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• Future outlook: Some outlets project the plant could remain idle for weeks, while the task force suggests a modest rise in water levels could keep the last turbine operational in the near term. Up-to-date hydrological forecasts are lacking.

Hungary Extends Heat Alert as Paks Continues Operating

• Heat alert extension: The third-degree alert remains in force until midnight on Friday, with a cold front expected to bring temporary relief.

Hungary Extends Heat Alert as Paks Continues Operating

• Water level monitoring: Authorities will track Danube levels; a rise could allow additional turbines to restart, another drop could force a full shutdown.

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Narrowly Avoids Shutdown During Heat Wave

• Energy-saving measures: The government will maintain voluntary curtailment during evening peaks and keep rail freight suspensions in place through Thursday.

Hungary Extends Heat Alert as Paks Continues Operating

• Regional coordination: Ongoing water-diversion projects in Romania aim to stabilize cooling supplies for both Romanian and Hungarian reactors.

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Narrowly Avoids Shutdown During Heat Wave