Hungary plans to shut down its sole nuclear power plant next week after water levels in the Danube River fall to levels that affect cooling capacity, Prime Minister Peter Magyar says. Multiple outlets report that the shutdown timeline is driven by record low river levels during ongoing heat waves across central Europe. Magyar indicates the plant will be taken offline as the Danube’s reduced flow limits the availability of water needed for safe reactor operation.
The reports describe the move as a significant risk to Hungary’s energy supply, since the country has only one nuclear facility. Bloomberg additionally frames the decision as a test for Hungary’s economy and for Magyar, who leads the government at a time when the cooling and power situation is under stress from extreme summer temperatures and drought conditions.
Across the coverage, the core cause is the continued drop in Danube water levels, with the planned shutdown approaching in coming days and the exact timing presented as soon to occur, depending on conditions. The situation remains linked to the broader regional heat wave and its impact on water availability.
