Severe Drought and Heatwave Trigger Energy Crisis in Hungary

Hungary is facing a severe energy crisis as record low water levels in the Danube river have forced the partial or large scale shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant. The plant, which serves as the backbone of the national grid, relies on the river for cooling and has been forced to reduce capacity significantly. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced that the water level had come within one centimeter of necessitating a complete shutdown. In response, the government appealed to the public and industry to reduce electricity usage. Approximately 837 medium and large power users have made voluntary cutbacks, and households have reduced consumption, resulting in a daily saving of 600 to 700 megawatts during peak hours. The state railway also suspended freight transport during peak periods to ease pressure on the grid.

The drought has had widespread environmental and social impacts across the country. In Budapest, the Danube has reached historic lows, with one measurement recording 20 centimeters relative to the water gauge on August 5. These low levels have exposed submerged historical artifacts, including the remains of the World War II era Franz Joseph Bridge and various explosive devices. Meanwhile, Lake Velence, the country's third largest natural lake, is drying up. Water levels there dropped to 29 centimeters on August 4, leading to massive fish kills and the closure of five swimming spots due to poor water quality and bacterial growth. Local tourism and businesses around the lake have been severely impacted as visitors dwindle.

Regional and international reports place these events within a broader European heatwave. Slovenia has also reduced output at its Krsko nuclear plant due to low flows on the Sava River, and Germany has seen cargo services on the Rhine disrupted by low water levels. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development warned on July 27 that Hungary faces rising economic risks from climate change, specifically regarding recurrent flooding and droughts.