Record-Low Danube Levels Force Major Cutbacks At Hungary Nuclear Plant
As of the morning of August 5, 2026, three of the four reactors at Hungary's Paks nuclear plant were offline and the remaining unit ran at about 50% power, forcing steep nationwide cutbacks.[1]
Hungary has nearly doubled electricity imports and ordered lights off in more than 300 government-linked buildings to conserve power.[1] Prime Minister Péter Magyar visited Paks on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, saying the next two days were critical and urging nationwide conservation as a hoped-for cold front approached.[1]
A three-month drought and extreme heat have driven Danube levels to record lows, depriving Paks of the direct river cooling it relies on.[1] Paks, a Soviet-designed plant about 60 miles south of Budapest, normally generates roughly half of Hungary's electricity and uses direct Danube water for cooling.[1]
Officials warned the plant could face a full shutdown if river levels do not recover, a scenario that would leave Hungary more dependent on imported power.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- As of the morning of August 5, 2026, three of four reactors at Hungary's Paks nuclear plant are offline and the remaining unit is running at about 50% power.
- Paks, a Soviet-designed plant on the Danube River about 60 miles south of Budapest, normally generates roughly 50% of Hungary's electricity and relies on direct river water for cooling.
- A three-month drought and extreme heat have driven Danube levels to record lows, prompting Hungary to nearly double power imports and curtail lighting in more than 300 government-linked buildings.
- Prime Minister Péter Magyar visited Paks on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, warning that the next two days are critical and calling for nationwide power conservation while a hoped-for cold front approaches.
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