Low Danube levels put Hungary’s Paks plant at risk of shutdown

Key points

• Péter Magyar said Paks could undergo a gradual shutdown as the Danube reached a record-low level.
• Paks generates 2,000 megawatts and supplies nearly half of Hungary’s electricity, according to the report.
• The Dunamenti Power Plant was taken offline after a malfunction, removing another 400 megawatts; repairs were expected to finish Thursday.
• Magyar said Hungary’s energy supply remained secure, with import infrastructure capable of handling 3,600 to 3,800 megawatts.
• Hungary is preparing a contingency plan that could temporarily limit consumption by large industrial and public-sector energy users.
• Romania shut both nuclear reactors on July 29, also citing low Danube water levels.