Paks Nuclear Power Plant operations restricted due to low water levels
On Monday, one of the units at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant will be temporarily shut down due to record-low water levels in the Danube. The decision was announced by Hungarian authorities, as the river's water is essential for the safe cooling of the power plant.
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is Hungary's most important energy source, providing nearly half of the country's electricity supply. The facility's cooling system is built directly on the Danube, so changes in the river's water level have a direct impact on production.
According to experts, the extreme drought and lack of precipitation caused the low water levels. Safety regulations are strict: if the water level does not reach the required threshold, the cooling process cannot be guaranteed safely, so the output of the units must be reduced or they must be shut down.
Authorities stated that the lost energy will be replaced from other sources, such as imports or by involving other power plants. No disruptions are expected in residential electricity supply, and the system has remained stable despite the restrictions.
Experts are continuously monitoring the water level of the Danube, and the shut-down unit will be restarted as soon as conditions allow. The situation highlights the significant challenges that climate change and extreme weather conditions pose to critical infrastructure.