Hungary will shut down the Paks Nuclear Power Plant next week because record-low water levels in the Danube River limit its cooling capacity [1, 2, 3].

The move is critical because the plant generates nearly half of Hungary's electricity [1]. A total shutdown threatens the stability of the national power grid during a period of intense heat across Central Europe.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the decision on Friday, July 31 [3]. He said the shutdown is scheduled for early August [3]. The decision follows a severe heatwave that has depleted the river's water levels to a historic low [2, 3].

"We have to shut down the plant next week because the water level is too low for safe operation," Magyar said [1].

Located on the banks of the Danube, the facility relies on the river to regulate reactor temperatures [1, 2]. Without sufficient water volume, the plant cannot operate safely. Magyar said the water level is at a historic low, forcing the government to consider a complete shutdown [2].

This event marks a significant milestone in the facility's operational history. Energy analyst Ádám Kovács said this is the first time in 44 years that Paks has faced a shutdown because of water scarcity [4].

While some reports suggested output cuts could begin immediately, the government has scheduled the full shutdown for the following week [3, 5]. The facility has operated for 44 years without a similar water-related closure [4].

“"We have to shut down the plant next week because the water level is too low for safe operation."”

The shutdown of the Paks plant highlights the growing vulnerability of nuclear energy infrastructure to extreme climate events. Because nuclear reactors require massive, consistent volumes of water for cooling, record-breaking droughts can transform a reliable baseload power source into a liability, forcing nations to rely on less stable or more carbon-intensive energy alternatives during peak demand.