Hungary is facing an energy crisis as its sole nuclear power plant in Paks has been shut down due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Sunday that one of the two generating units will cease operations at 1:30 a.m., reducing output to just 240 megawatts. The plant, which typically meets around a third of Hungary's electricity needs, will be completely offline by tomorrow.
What caused the shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant?
The shutdown was triggered by the record-low water levels in the Danube River, which has dropped due to lack of rain and successive heatwaves since May. The plant relies on water from the Danube for cooling purposes.
What is the impact of this shutdown on Hungary's energy supply?
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant typically provides around a third of Hungary's electricity needs. With its shutdown, the country will need to rely on other energy sources to meet its demands, potentially exacerbating the ongoing energy crisis.
When will the plant be completely shut down?
The plant's operator announced on Friday that declining water levels could force Paks to be taken completely offline around the middle of next week.
What are the weather forecasts for Hungary?
The national weather service HungaroMet predicts highs of over 40C in the coming days, with a peak of 42C expected on Thursday, matching the national temperature record set earlier this summer.
