Hungary is preparing for a potential full shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant as the Danube River hits record-low water levels [1].
The situation threatens national energy security because the facility provides nearly half of the electricity generated in Hungary [3]. Without sufficient water flow from the river to cool the reactors, continued operation becomes unsafe [5].
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced the risk on July 31, 2026 [4]. He said the low water levels could keep the key nuclear plant shut for weeks [2].
The Paks plant, located about 50 miles south of Budapest, relies on the Danube for its cooling systems [6]. Current data shows the plant is operating at 965 megawatts [7], which is less than half of its normal 2,000 megawatt capacity [8].
While some reports indicate the facility is shutting down for the first time, other data confirms it is currently running at a significantly reduced output [8]. The government is monitoring the river levels closely to determine if a total offline status is inevitable.
Officials have not yet provided a specific date for a full return to capacity, as the duration of the shutdown depends on the river's recovery [2].
“The low water levels could keep the key nuclear plant shut for weeks.”
This crisis highlights the vulnerability of nuclear energy infrastructure to extreme climate events. Because nuclear plants require massive amounts of water for cooling, prolonged droughts or record-low river levels can force unplanned shutdowns, creating immediate energy deficits and increasing a nation's reliance on imported power or less stable energy sources.
