Lead

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has warned that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant could be completely shut down in the coming days due to record-low water levels in the Danube River, which is used to cool the plant's reactors. One of the plant's four reactors has already been suspended, and output at two others has been reduced, according to reports.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from TASS, the Russian state news agency, indicate that the situation at the Paks plant has escalated over several days. An initial report on July 29 stated that electricity generation at one reactor unit had been suspended due to the Danube reaching a record low water level, citing Reuters and the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet. The low water level was attributed to prolonged drought and extreme heat.

A subsequent report on July 30 quoted Prime Minister Magyar as saying that a complete shutdown was possible on Thursday or Friday, with one reactor already shut down and output at two others reduced.

By August 2, TASS reported that the second-to-last power unit would be shut down at 1:30 a.m. local time, leaving the plant's capacity at 240 megawatts and bringing it to a complete halt for the first time in 44 years. The reports also quoted Prime Minister Magyar's Facebook post, in which he cited a further drop in the Danube's water level.

Hungarian Energy Minister Istvan Kapitany was quoted as saying that Hungary's power supply system remains reliable, though decisions had been made to reduce electricity generation at reactor units 1 and 3. He described the shallow water crisis as unprecedented for the country.

Key Claims

  • Electricity generation at one reactor unit of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant has been suspended due to the Danube River reaching a record low water level.
  • The low water level was caused by prolonged drought and extreme heat, with water from the Danube used to cool the plant.
  • Energy Minister Istvan Kapitany said Hungary's power supply system remains reliable, but decisions were made to reduce generation at units 1 and 3.
  • The plant was expected to be completely shut down on August 2, with capacity dropping to 240 megawatts, marking the first full halt in 44 years.
  • A complete shutdown was earlier deemed possible on Thursday or Friday (July 31 or August 1) due to the record drop in water levels.

Perspectives

  • Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar: Warned of a potential multi-week shutdown, citing the critical decline in the Danube's water level and the need to halt the second-to-last unit, which would bring the plant to a complete stop.
  • Hungarian Energy Minister Istvan Kapitany: Stressed that the power supply system remains reliable, while acknowledging the unprecedented shallow water crisis and the decision to reduce generation at some units.
  • Reuters and Magyar Nemzet (as cited by TASS): Reported the suspension of one reactor unit and attributed the low water level to prolonged drought and extreme heat, noting that the Danube is essential for cooling the plant.