**Danube Water Level Rises, Paks Nuclear Plant Turbine Set to Restart**
*By Ferenc Szekely*
*Published on 10/08/2026 - 15:26 GMT+2*
The water level of the Danube River at Paks, located south of Budapest, has seen a significant increase of approximately 19 centimeters from its previous low. This rise has enabled the phased reactivation of one of the turbines at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which had been shut down due to critically low water levels.
Earlier in August, the Danube's water level reached a historic low of minus 134 centimeters at Paks, prompting the gradual shutdown of three out of four reactor units. During this period, only one turbine remained operational. The situation was exacerbated by a lack of rainfall in the region, leading to concerns over the plant's cooling systems.
However, recent rainfall in the Austrian catchment areas has contributed to a flood wave that has now reached the Paks section of the river. The increase in water level has restored sufficient volume to ensure safe cooling for the nuclear facility. As a result, the first turbine has been successfully restarted and reconnected to the grid as of Monday evening.
The reactivation of the turbine marks an important step in increasing the plant's output. During the critical low water period, the plant was generating approximately 240 megawatts of electricity. With the restart of the additional turbine, the output is expected to rise to 500 megawatts.
Despite the urgency to restore power generation, the safety of the nuclear facility remains the top priority. The reconnection process is being conducted under strict technical and safety protocols. Key systems, including the cooling mechanisms for the reactor core and spent fuel pools, must function flawlessly. These systems remained operational even during the low water conditions, ensuring that safety measures were upheld.
Before the turbine can be fully operational, several checks and procedures must be completed. An adequate vacuum must be established in the condenser, and the quality of the secondary-circuit water needs to be verified. The adjustment of the reactor's thermal output and steam volume will occur in a controlled manner, synchronized with the generator's connection to the grid according to a detailed timetable.
Moreover, around half a million components within the plant will undergo diagnostics to ensure that the temporary shutdown did not lead to any microscopic material defects. Operating specialists will oversee this process to maintain the integrity and safety of the plant's systems.
The situation at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant highlights the intricate balance between energy production and environmental conditions. As the Danube's water levels fluctuate, the plant's operational capacity is directly affected, underscoring the importance of natural resources in energy generation. The reactivation of the turbine not only boosts electricity supply but also reflects the ongoing efforts to manage nuclear safety in the face of environmental challenges.