Hungary to completely shut down its only nuclear power plant for the first time in 44 years due to a record drought: consequencies
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which provides about 40% of Hungary's electricity needs, is on the verge of a complete shutdown due to the catastrophic shallowing of the Danube. Energy production has already been reduced by almost 90%.
Main points about the crisis situation:
- Critical power drop: another turbine was disconnected on the night of August 2. The plant is now generating only 215 MW instead of the usual 2000 MW.
- Historical precedent: according to Prime Minister Péter Magyar's forecasts, the last unit may be stopped as early as Sunday. This will be the first complete shutdown of the plant in its 44 years of operation.
- Safety: there is no nuclear or radiation threat. Additional pumps and fuel reserves have been prepared to cool the stopped reactors.
Why were the reactors left without cooling?
Water from the Danube is necessary for the safe operation of the power units. However, due to a prolonged abnormal heatwave and drought, the river level in the Paks area has dropped to record lows. The water intake pumps can no longer safely supply water, making further electricity generation impossible.
What will happen with electricity, and how is the power system coping?
Authorities claim that the country's power system is currently operating stably. To avoid shortages and large-scale blackouts, Hungary is urgently introducing the following measures:
- Increasing electricity imports from neighboring countries.
- Bringing reserve capacities back online — one of the units at the Danube power plant in Százhalombatta has already been started and provides 380 MW.
- Urging the public, as well as large automotive and industrial companies, to reduce electricity consumption during peak evening hours — from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Based on materials from: the Government of Hungary, European Pravda, Associated Press
