Hungary Shuts Down Paks Nuclear Plant Due to Low Danube Water Levels
Summary
Hungary is shutting down its Paks Nuclear Power Plant for the first time in 44 years due to historically low water levels in the Danube River caused by extreme heat and drought.
Key Points
- Hungary will completely shut down the Paks Nuclear Power Plant due to low Danube River water levels affecting cooling.
- The plant, operational since 1982, provides about 50% of Hungary's electricity and usually produces 2,000 megawatts.
- Current water levels in the Danube have dropped to a record low of -144 centimeters, below the shutdown threshold of -134 centimeters.
- Hungary has imposed water use restrictions amid a broader regional climate crisis impacting water transport, tourism, agriculture, and energy.
