TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Drought triggered by an extreme heatwave have lowered water levels in the Danube River, threatening a total shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated on Sunday, August 2.
Speaking to the local commercial television channel RTL, Magyar warned that operations at the Paks plant could potentially halt for more than a month. He indicated that the last remaining operating turbine at the 2,000 MW facility would likely be shut down either Sunday night or Monday.
A complete halt in power generation at Paks—which accounts for nearly half of Hungary’s domestic electricity production—would mark the first total shutdown in the plant’s 44-year history.
Magyar had previously explained via social media that strict nuclear safety regulations mandate such a shutdown due to record-low river water levels, which affect the water supply for cooling systems. He assured the public that nuclear safety remains fully guaranteed, with approximately 50 water management experts deployed to assist Paks personnel in maintaining the cooling systems’ operation.
This unprecedented energy crisis hits Hungary as the country braces for temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius or higher during these “most critical five days,” placing immense strain on the national power grid.
Water levels in the Hungarian section of the Danube River have dropped amid a drought caused by the extreme heatwave.
The Hungarian government has implemented emergency measures to maintain grid stability. Under a decree that took effect on Saturday, mandatory electricity consumption cuts could be imposed on large industrial consumers if necessary.
However, Magyar emphasized that voluntary conservation efforts by businesses and the public have so far helped avoid the need for mandatory restrictions. A number of major companies, including MOL, Audi, and Gedeon Richter, have committed to significantly reducing their consumption.
On Monday, nearly 300 companies pledged to make voluntary reductions, alongside state-owned enterprises, most local councils, civil society groups, and churches, he said.
To conserve electricity, decorative lighting on iconic Budapest landmarks—including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge—was switched off on Sunday evening.
Additional measures include suspending most rail freight services between 5:00 p.m. local time and 10:00 p.m. starting Monday, placing backup power generation units on standby, and maximizing electricity imports.
“If Hungary can get through these most critical five days, temperatures are expected to drop by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius,” said Magyar, adding that restricting household electricity use remains an absolute last resort to maintain system stability.
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