Hungarian Prime Minister Announces Paks Nuclear Plant Return to Full Capacity

Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that the Paks nuclear power plant is expected to reach its full capacity of 2000 megawatts by Wednesday. The plant had experienced a significant drop in production due to drought and low water levels in the Danube, reaching a low of 240 megawatts ten days prior. By Sunday, production had risen to over 1000 megawatts as multiple turbines were brought back online, including the sixth turbine of the third block.

To prevent a total shutdown and ensure sufficient cooling water, the government commissioned the construction of a bottom sill. This project involved the Hungarian Defense Forces and water management experts depositing 33,500 tons of stone into the riverbed. The construction cost is estimated at 6.2 billion forints, with 1.6 billion forints spent thus far. The sill is nearly complete, with only 150 meters remaining to close the gap between the left and right banks of the Danube.

Prime Minister Magyar stated that the crisis demonstrates the urgent need to address climate change. He promised that the government will submit new water, energy, and climate laws with unprecedented speed following the completion of the works. During a press conference, Magyar and Defense Minister Ruszin Szendi Romulusz criticized the previous government for a lack of preparation regarding climate and water management. Magyar also made pointed remarks about political opponents who spend their time vacationing while the country faces such crises.