Hungary's Paks Plant Faces Shutdown Threat

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary could be completely shut down as early as Thursday or Friday because of low water levels in the Danube. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the news, noting that the plant relies on river water to cool its reactors.

Paks operates four Russian-built reactors with a total capacity of two gigawatts. Because of the Danube's low water level, the plant began reducing output on Monday and is now running at less than half capacity.

The Danube's water level fell to a record low this week, disrupting both cargo and passenger shipping on one of Europe's most important waterways.

According to the prime minister, Hungary has an electricity import capacity of 3,600 to 3,800 megawatts, enough to cover national consumption if Paks were to shut down.

Magyar said on Wednesday that the government would prepare a contingency plan in case of an outage at the plant. The plan will include a list of major electricity and water consumers, particularly industrial companies, whose consumption could be temporarily restricted in an emergency.

(Reuters, Lud)