Danube River Lows Force Nuclear Shutdowns in Hungary and Romania

Record-low water levels on the Danube River have incapacitated nuclear power operations in Romania and Hungary due to inadequate cooling water. In Romania, both reactors at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant have shut down, removing approximately 20% of the country's electricity generation from the grid.

In Hungary, the MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant reduced output to below 50% and faces a complete shutdown by Tuesday or Wednesday. This would be the first full shutdown in the plant's 44-year history. Prime Minister Péter Magyar warned that the shutdown could last several weeks and requested that major industrial users voluntarily lower their energy consumption.

To mitigate the power deficit, the Hungarian energy conglomerate MOL committed to a 40% reduction in its electricity needs. The Hungarian government additionally ordered state institutions to disable decorative lighting and recommended the suspension of parliamentary sessions to conserve energy. Magyar stated that the shutdown can be performed safely and poses no risk to the public or environment.