Due to extremely dry weather and declining water levels in the Danube River, officials at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant implemented consecutive power reductions across two generation units. According to MVM Zrt., a reduction of 254 megawatts on Unit 1 was followed by a 237-megawatt cut on Unit 3, bringing the total capacity loss to nearly 500 megawatts while national electricity supplies remain stable.
Danube Water Levels Fall Amid Drought
Persistent drought and high temperatures caused the Danube’s water level at Paks to drop to -112 centimeters. Because of the extremely low water yield and water temperature, plant specialists decided to lower block capacities on consecutive days to maintain safe operations and comply with environmental regulations. MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zrt. confirmed the restrictions in an official statement issued on Tuesday, noting that Unit 3’s output was reduced by 237 megawatts starting at 20:00 on July 28, 2026, following the 254-megawatt reduction on Unit 1.
The company emphasized that environmental conditions are continuously monitored. Plant personnel track water yield and temperature adjustments to make necessary decisions, aiming to maintain safe facility operations and environmental rules, according to the corporate release.
Total Capacity Reduction Reaches 491 Megawatts
The immediate catalyst for Tuesday’s measure was the 254-megawatt curtailment on Unit 1 carried out on Monday, July 27. Cooling water recirculation and adherence to environmental threshold limits present significant challenges to the facility amid declining river flow, bringing the combined capacity loss from the two reductions to 491 megawatts.
Did You Know? The water level of the Danube at Paks dropped to -112 centimeters prior to the power reductions, driven by persistent drought and high temperatures that forced plant engineers to scale back generation to meet strict environmental protection standards.
Outlook and National Grid Security
Addressing the cooling difficulties and record-low water levels, nuclear energy expert Attila Aszódi previously spoke to the press regarding the situation. The specialist pointed out that although the capacity reduction may initially appear alarming, Hungary’s electricity supply is currently not in danger.
The coming weeks could still prove critical as forecasts indicate another heatwave approaching the country while the Danube’s water yield remains extremely low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Paks Nuclear Power Plant forced to reduce power?
The facility lowered output due to extremely dry weather, continuous drought, and the declining water level and yield of the Danube River, which dropped to -112 centimeters at Paks.
Which generation units were affected by the output cuts?
Unit 1 was reduced by 254 megawatts on Monday, July 27, and Unit 3 was reduced by 237 megawatts starting at 20:00 on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Is Hungary’s electricity supply at risk due to these measures?
According to nuclear energy expert Attila Aszódi, Hungary’s electricity supply is currently not in danger despite the combined capacity loss of nearly 500 megawatts.
How will the plant determine future generation adjustments as weather conditions persist?
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