Hungary Builds Danube Structure to Save Paks Nuclear Plant

Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the construction of a riverbed structure at Paks to raise the water level of the Danube River. The project aims to ensure sufficient cooling for the Paks nuclear facility, which provides 40% of Hungary's electricity. A persistent drought and record-low water levels recently threatened a total plant shutdown, an event that would cost the country 50 billion forint ($159 million) per month.

To provide immediate relief, authorities are deploying two 80-meter barges that may be sunk to raise water levels, a tactic previously employed by Romania. While the plant's output has already dropped significantly—with reports indicating it is operating at only 10% to 25% of its 2,000 megawatt capacity—Magyar stated that energy supplies remain stable. Consequently, the government has lifted previous emergency electricity cutbacks for citizens and state buildings.