Hungary Faces Potential Nuclear Shutdown Amid Severe Drought and Heatwave

Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced that Hungary's sole nuclear power plant at Paks could be fully shut down as early as this weekend due to record low water levels in the Danube River. The plant's output has already been significantly reduced to 480 megawatts from its normal 2000 megawatts. According to the Prime Minister, the final block may need to be shut down by next Tuesday or Wednesday if water levels continue to drop. This situation is occurring alongside a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to reach between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius.

In response to the energy and water crisis, the government has implemented several emergency measures. A new government decree allows for the restriction of energy consumption for large industrial users, with sanctions for those who do not comply. Other measures include the suspension of rail freight traffic during peak hours from 17:00 to 22:00 starting Monday, and a mandate for home office work in state administration for the first three days of next week. Additionally, decorative lighting on state buildings has been turned off, and third degree water restrictions have been ordered in certain areas, including a ban on filling pools and watering sports fields.

Public institutions and companies are also taking independent action. The Mol company is closing its car washes to save water, and the Pannon University is closing its buildings on Monday and Tuesday to reduce energy use for cooling and lighting. The National Theatre has turned off its decorative lighting and drained its surrounding lake. Meanwhile, the social care system has entered a Red Code status to provide increased protection for homeless people, the elderly, and the disabled during the extreme heat.

Prime Minister Magyar stated that the government is coordinating with Slovak and Austrian water authorities and denied reports that these countries are restricting water flow into Hungary. He noted that while the shutdown is planned and poses no nuclear danger, it could result in a budget loss of approximately 50 billion.