Hungary Shuts Down Paks Nuclear Reactor Due to Low Danube Levels

The operator of the Paks nuclear power plant shut down Unit 3 in a controlled manner on July 30, 2026, after the Danube River reached a historic low of -118 centimeters near the facility. This represents the first time in the plant's history that a reactor unit was removed from the grid because of insufficient water for cooling. Environmental regulations regarding the temperature of discharge water also played a role in the decision.

István Kapitány, the Minister of Economy and Energy, announced the shutdown and emphasized that the process ensures operational safety remains the top priority. To protect the remaining units, water management authorities deployed 55 specialists on round-the-clock standby, along with four pump pontoons and two floating cranes.

Although 40 percent of the station's total installed capacity is currently offline, the Hungarian government reports that the national electricity supply is stable. The shortfall is being offset through increased electricity imports, renewables, and domestic gas-fired plants, while Mavir Ltd. monitors record summer consumption.