Hungary’s energy supply remains secure despite a temporary reduction in output at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant caused by exceptionally low water levels in the Danube, Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány said on Tuesday.
In a post on Facebook, the minister said the prolonged drought of recent weeks had pushed the Danube to its lowest recorded level in Hungary.
Because the nuclear plant relies on water from the river for cooling, operators introduced a temporary reduction in generating capacity to ensure safe operation. Kapitány stressed that the measure was not the result of a technical fault but a precautionary step taken in line with established operating and environmental regulations.
According to the plant, the combination of persistent drought and extreme heat this summer has significantly reduced the Danube’s flow. In both June and July, operators were required on several occasions to lower reactor output to comply with environmental limits governing the temperature of cooling water discharged back into the river.
On Monday, the Danube reached a record low water level of minus 106 centimetres at Paks. In response, operators reduced the output of Unit 1 by 254 megawatts from 21:45 local time.
Plant specialists are continuing to monitor river flow and water temperatures and will adjust operations as conditions require.
Kapitány noted that another heatwave is expected to affect Europe in the coming days, increasing electricity demand while potentially causing the Danube’s water level to fall even further.
He said the government had prepared for this scenario and was maintaining continuous coordination with the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, transmission system operator MAVIR and state-owned energy company MVM. Professional consultations have already taken place, developments are being assessed on an hourly basis, and all necessary contingency measures have been prepared to safeguard the country’s electricity supply.
The minister added that the situation was being managed responsibly, transparently and in full compliance with professional and regulatory standards, and pledged that the public would be informed of any significant developments.
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