**Hungary to Shut Down Its Only Nuclear Power Plant Amid Severe Drought**
**BUDAPEST, Hungary – August 2, 2026** – In an unprecedented move, Hungary has announced the shutdown of its only nuclear power plant, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River, which have hindered the facility's cooling operations. Prime Minister Peter Magyar confirmed that the plant will cease operations on Sunday, marking the first complete shutdown in its 44-year history.
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant, located south of Budapest, plays a crucial role in Hungary's energy supply, providing nearly half of the country's electricity. However, the ongoing drought has severely impacted the water levels of the Danube, which is essential for cooling the plant's reactors. As of Friday, the plant's output had plummeted to 965 megawatts, and further declined to just 240 megawatts overnight, a significant drop from its normal capacity of around 2,000 megawatts.
The current water level at the Paks facility has reached minus 134 centimeters, necessitating a full shutdown. Projections indicate that the river level could fall to as low as minus 144 centimeters, surpassing the previous record low of minus 98 centimeters set in 2018. The Danube, which flows from Germany to the Black Sea, has been experiencing declining water levels due to prolonged heat and drought conditions affecting several European countries.
In response to the crisis, the Hungarian government has imposed water-use restrictions in over 100 cities and villages, urging residents to conserve water. Additionally, the government has requested that companies with high water consumption voluntarily reduce their usage to help alleviate the pressure on the water supply.
The drought and heatwave have not only impacted the energy sector but have also disrupted shipping, tourism, agriculture, and industry across Hungary. The country, which has been grappling with sluggish economic growth for several years, faces additional challenges as it navigates this climate-related crisis.
Prime Minister Magyar's announcement comes amid a broader context of extreme weather events across Europe, with the continent experiencing successive heatwaves since May. The most severe heatwave occurred in June, raising concerns about the long-term implications of climate change. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group have indicated that the unprecedented temperatures observed this summer are likely linked to human-induced climate change.
In light of Hungary's energy challenges, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country is "closely monitoring the energy situation" and is prepared to offer assistance if necessary. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of energy security and environmental factors, as nations grapple with the impacts of climate variability.
As Hungary prepares for the shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, the government faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate energy needs while also considering long-term strategies to adapt to changing climate conditions. The decision to power down the facility reflects the urgent need for sustainable water management and energy solutions in the face of increasing environmental pressures.