Hungary Nuclear Plant to Shut Down as Danube Hits Record Low

Paks Nuclear Plant to Shut Down

Hungary’s only nuclear power plant at Paks will shut down for the first time in its 44-year history by Tuesday or Wednesday because record-low water levels on the Danube River prevent adequate reactor cooling. [1] The plant is currently operating at less than half capacity, producing 965 megawatts instead of the usual 2,000 megawatts. [1] Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated the full shutdown can be performed safely with no risk to the public or environment. [1] Further reductions in output are imminent later on Friday, and the entire plant would likely be powered down by Tuesday or Wednesday. [1] The Soviet-built, four-reactor plant at Paks accounts for nearly half of Hungary’s electricity production. [1] If it is powered down, it would be the first time in its 44 years of service. [1] The nuclear plant uses the river to cool its reactors, and pumps are struggling to keep up with low water levels. [1] Speaking at a news conference at the plant on Friday, Magyar said the shutdown can be performed safely and poses no risk to the public or environment. [1] The plant is operating at less than half its normal capacity, producing 965 megawatts of power rather than the usual 2,000. [1] Hungary’s only nuclear power plant is to shut down for the first time in its history due to record-low water levels on the Danube River. [1] The Paks nuclear plant, located around 90km south of the capital, Budapest, is operating at less than half its normal capacity. [1]

Danube River Levels and Cooling Failure

The Danube’s water level at Paks could fall to negative 144 cm, below the previous record of negative 98 cm set in 2018; a level of negative 134 cm triggers full shutdown. [1] Water levels are not expected to rise on the Danube in the coming days or even weeks as no significant rainfall is forecast. [1] Magyar said on Friday that the Danube’s water level has only risen on three occasions in the month of August in the last 20 years. [1] The level at Paks could recede to as low as negative 144cm — far below the previous record of negative 98cm set in 2018. [1] A level of negative 134cm requires the full powering down of the plant. [1] A negative reading means the river has fallen below the gauge’s zero reference level, not that the river is empty. [1] The exceptionally low water level has tested the ability of pumps to bring sufficient quantities into the plant. [1] The plant uses water from the Danube to cool its reactors, but the exceptionally low water level has tested the ability of pumps to bring sufficient quantities into the plant. [1] The nuclear plant uses the river to cool its reactors, and pumps are struggling to keep up with low water levels. [1] The plant might not come back online for several weeks as the river is expected to continue receding. [1] Paks nuclear power plant lies behind the partly dried-up Danube River in Dunaszentbenedek, Hungary, on Friday. [1]

Hungary's Paks nuclear plant prepares for shutdown due to record low Danube water levels. — Source: thelocal-italy

Energy Supply Measures in Hungary

Hungary’s government has requested that large companies that consume large quantities of energy voluntarily reduce their consumption to help stabilize the energy supply, particularly in peak demand hours between 5pm and 10pm. [1] Hungarian energy conglomerate MOL had committed to reducing its electricity needs by 65 megawatt-hours, a decrease of 40 percent from its normal consumption. [1] Magyar announced on Friday that his party had recommended suspending parliamentary sessions planned for Monday and Tuesday in the interest of conserving energy. [1] He also ordered that all state institutions turn off decorative lighting by tomorrow. [1] If the plant is powered down, it would be the first time in its 44 years of service. [1] The Soviet-built, four-reactor plant at Paks accounts for nearly half of Hungary’s electricity production. [1] The plant is currently operating at less than half capacity, producing 965 megawatts instead of the usual 2,000 megawatts. [1] Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated the full shutdown can be performed safely with no risk to the public or environment. [1] Further reductions in output are imminent later on Friday. [1]

Broader Drought Across Central Europe

Hungary and much of Central Europe has been in a prolonged period of drought in the past few months, disrupting tourism, agriculture and industry, and confronting residents with the realities of climate change. [1] Water levels are not expected to rise on the Danube in the coming days or even weeks as no significant rainfall is forecast. [1] The Danube’s water level at Paks could fall to negative 144 cm, below the previous record of negative 98 cm set in 2018. [1] Magyar said on Friday that the Danube’s water level has only risen on three occasions in the month of August in the last 20 years. [1] The level at Paks could recede to as low as negative 144cm — far below the previous record of negative 98cm set in 2018. [1] A level of negative 134cm requires the full powering down of the plant. [1] The plant might not come back online for several weeks as the river is expected to continue receding. [1] Hungary and much of Central Europe are experiencing prolonged drought that has disrupted tourism, agriculture and industry. [1]

Heatwave Alerts in Italy

Italy has placed nearly all its major cities on the highest heat alert starting 3 August as a fresh heatwave grips the country. [2] Italy is placing nearly all of its major cities under the highest alert for heat from Monday, as a fresh heatwave grips the country, authorities said on Saturday. [3] Italy places nearly all cities on highest alert over heat from Aug 3. [2] Italy puts nearly all cities on highest heat alert. [3] The decision places nearly all major cities under the highest alert for heat from Monday amid the fresh heatwave. [3]

Flooding in the United States

Flash flooding and flood warnings have been issued for parts of Illinois and Middle Tennessee after excessive rainfall and thunderstorms. [4] Flood Warning for Cook, IL states flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected until 100 PM CDT in Central Cook County, DuPage County, Southeastern Kane County, Kendall County, and Northwestern Will County in northeastern Illinois. [4] Impacts include flooding that may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, with high water that may recede slowly from flooded areas. [4] Flash Flood Warning for Smith, TN covers Smith County in Middle Tennessee, Southeastern Sumner County, Trousdale County, and Central Wilson County until 1145 AM CDT. [5] At 843 AM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area, with between 2 and 3 inches of rain having fallen and additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch possible. [5]

What to watch next: The Danube’s water level at Paks could recede to as low as negative 144cm with no significant rainfall forecast, while Italy maintains the highest heat alert from 3 August and flood warnings continue in parts of Illinois and Middle Tennessee.