According to current performance data from the Paksi Atomerőmű, the facility’s second block has successfully reconnected to the power grid and increased its production to 428 megawatts following the completion of scheduled technical interventions. This output marks approximately 86 percent of the unit’s 500-megawatt nominal capacity. The successful reconnection of the second block is vital for maintaining the security of domestic electricity supply in Hungary, as noted in recent official statements.
Water Levels Allow Second Block Restart
The restoration of the second block’s operations followed a moderate rise in the water level of the Duna river. Monday morning water measurements at Paks showed the river level standing 19 centimètres higher than the low point recorded one week prior. This hydrological change allowed operators to begin turbine restarts and gradually ramp up generation at the second block. Prior to this recovery, low water levels forced the shutdown of the facility’s first, third, and fourth blocks, while the second block operated at just 50 percent capacity for an 11-day stretch.
During the peak of the water shortage, authorities faced the realistic threat of shutting down the final operating turbinagenerátor. Such a step would have halted total production at the 44-year-old facility for the first time in its history. Low water levels pose a direct risk to operations because they prevent safe operation of the cooling water pumps once levels drop beneath a specific threshold. Under those conditions, operators must systematically lower plant output and shut down affected units.
Did You Know? The Paksi Atomerőmű has operated for 44 years, and a complete shutdown of all generation units has never occurred in that span, even as recent drought conditions brought the plant close to that milestone.
Outlook and Technical Mitigation Strategies
Despite the recent increase in water volume, the ongoing dry period remains unresolved, meaning further performance restrictions could become necessary if river levels begin to drop again. To address this vulnerability, the government is engaged in consultations with the Országos Atomenergia Hivatal and external experts. These discussions focus on identifying temporary technical solutions to reduce the plant’s exposure to extremely low water levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Paksi Atomerőmű 2. blokk operating at reduced capacity?
The unit operated at 50 percent capacity for 11 days due to extremely low water levels on the Duna river, which threatened the safe operation of the plant’s cooling water pumps.
What is the current power output of the facility?
With only the second block operational at 428 megawatt output, the total plant capacity stands at 428 megawatts, representing just over a fifth of the total 2000-megawatt capacity across all four blocks.
What actions are being taken to prevent future shutdowns?
The government is consulting with the Országos Atomenergia Hivatal and external specialists to evaluate temporary technical solutions that will minimize the power plant’s operational exposure to low water levels.
How will future fluctuations in the Duna river level impact domestic power reserves in the coming months?
Worth a look