Danube's record low levels force shutdown of Hungary's only nuclear plant

Hungary’s sole nuclear power plant, the Paks facility, has been ordered to shut down completely for the first time since its operation began, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the decision, warning that the energy crisis could worsen as the heatwave continues with temperatures expected to remain near 37°C for the coming days. The Paks plant, built during the Soviet era, relies on the Danube for cooling, but current water levels are too low for the plant’s suction nozzles to function effectively. This situation threatens to destabilize Hungary’s energy supply, especially given the prolonged dry spell and reduced rainfall across much of Europe. The Danube, which flows through 19 countries, has reached its lowest levels in over three decades in parts of Central and Eastern Europe. In Serbia and Romania, the river’s flow has dropped dramatically, exposing large sections of its riverbed and revealing historical artifacts. In Romania, the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, one of the country’s two operational reactors, has already been forced to halt operations. The first reactor was shut down earlier this week, and officials are working to prevent the second from being affected. If both reactors are offline, Romania will face a similar energy shortfall as Hungary, with no nuclear output for a period. According to data from Romania’s National Institute of Hydrology, the Danube’s flow entering the country has dropped to just under 1,600 cubic meters per second, compared to an average of 4,700 cubic meters per second in July. The institute predicts further declines, forecasting a drop to 1,500 cubic meters per second by Tuesday. These conditions have led to a cascade of impacts beyond energy concerns. In Bulgaria, shipping has come to a standstill along the Danube, and border authorities had to rescue 186 passengers from a stranded river cruise vessel near Vidin. Meanwhile, in Serbia, the exposed riverbed revealed remnants of a World War II-era German warship, while in Croatia, the wreck of a Hungarian cargo ship emerged from the depths. In Bulgaria, residents of the city of Ruse discovered bones on the riverbed that experts identified as belonging to a prehistoric mammoth. A lower jaw, two tusks, and potentially a rib were among the finds, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s ancient past. These discoveries underscore the extent to which the river’s receding waters have altered the landscape, bringing long-buried objects into view. Such occurrences are becoming increasingly common as the Danube’s levels continue to decline. To mitigate the impact of the energy crisis, Magyar has urged citizens to reduce non-essential energy use between 17:00 and 22:00 hours, including limiting the charging of electric vehicles and the use of air conditioning. Additionally, the government is considering implementing a rotational shutdown regime for the national grid, which would involve temporarily restricting electricity access to certain users if necessary. This measure reflects the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action to ensure the stability of Hungary’s energy infrastructure. As the Danube continues to shrink, the implications extend far beyond Hungary and Romania. The river’s diminished flow highlights broader environmental challenges linked to climate change, with Europe experiencing some of the fastest temperature increases globally. The combination of prolonged heatwaves and reduced precipitation is placing unprecedented stress on water resources, affecting everything from agriculture to transportation. With the Danube serving as a critical artery for multiple nations, the consequences of these changes are likely to ripple across the continent.