Hungary shuts sole nuclear plant as Danube drought cuts cooling water: PM warns of five-day power crisis
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Hungary shuts sole nuclear plant as Danube drought cuts cooling water: PM warns of five-day power crisis
Hungary shuts Paks nuclear plant as Danube water levels hit record lows
ContinuationDutch government holds emergency drought meeting as locks close and irrigation bans expand
Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, the country’s sole nuclear facility, was fully shut down by early Sunday as the Danube River’s water levels hit historic lows, leaving the plant unable to draw sufficient water for cooling. Prime Minister Péter Magyar warned in a video message on Sunday that the next five days would place “enormous strain” on Hungary’s electricity system, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) and the plant generating no power starting Monday.
The 2-gigawatt plant, which normally supplies about 40% of Hungary’s electricity, had been operating at just over 10% capacity in recent days as the Danube’s level continued to drop. Magyar urged businesses, public institutions, local governments and households to reduce or reschedule electricity use, particularly between 17:00 and 22:00, when demand peaks. The government is also considering mandatory consumption restrictions for major industrial users beginning Monday, though Magyar said temporary blackouts for some consumers would be a last resort, and residential limits would only be imposed if absolutely necessary .
The crisis extends beyond energy. Over 100 Hungarian municipalities, including parts of the Budapest metropolitan area, have introduced water use restrictions. László Gajdos, Hungary’s minister for the living environment, said drinking water supplies remain secured nationwide, though 10 to 20 localities may face issues that authorities are addressing. He noted that water consumption had surged by more than 25% in recent days due to extreme heat, and asked the public to conserve water, suggesting measures like running washing machines only when full and taking shorter showers .
In Budapest, the Főkert public parks company announced it had already shut down all 40 of its fountains and water features, and an emergency task force was meeting Sunday to finalize a climate crisis response plan. Péter Dezsényi, Főkert’s director, said irrigation must be drastically reduced but prioritized for young trees and newly planted shrubs, while lawns would receive minimal watering to preserve underground root systems. He also called for the immediate halt of all non-essential water use, including decorative pools .
Mark Radnai, vice president of the Tisza party, estimated the energy crisis could cost Hungary between 100 and 200 billion forints ($315–630 million) due to increased electricity import costs . The Danube’s low water levels have also disrupted navigation, tourism and water supply systems across Central Europe, with the river’s historic drought exposing broader vulnerabilities in the region’s infrastructure.
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