The Paksi Atomerőmű began increasing its power output on Saturday evening after river conditions improved, with Prime Minister Magyar Péter announcing via Facebook video that the plant’s turbine number 6 on block 3 was being reconnected. According to the prime minister, the plant is expected to reach its final capacity of 2,000 megawatts by Wednesday following a nearly 49-hour turbine reconnection process.
Turbine Reconnection and Operational Phases
The reconnection procedure involves a strict three-stage acceleration process that takes nearly two days to complete, culminating in the critical final three hours known as turbine “loosening” or reaching operational revolutions. According to Vigh Károly, the operations director at the Paksi Atomerőmű, the turbine rotates at 3 to 4 revolutions per minute beforehand to prevent shaft distortion from steam and to ensure even heat distribution. The speed is first increased to 600 revolutions per minute for checks, raised to 900 revolutions per minute for a secondary inspection, and finally brought up to 3,000 revolutions per minute with a final stage acceleration rate of 600 revolutions per minute. Following this final phase, it takes between another one and a half to two hours for the turbine startup to register on the Mavir network, as outlined by plant officials.
According to expectations, turbine number 2 on block 1 will enter a start-ready state starting at 5:00 AM, with parallel connection anticipated from 8:00 AM the following morning. Plant specialists routinely perform between six and 10 planned turbine restarts annually at the facility, making the technical procedure a familiar operational task. Magyar Péter initially announced on July 30 that an energy crisis could emerge due to drought and low water levels on the Danube requiring the gradual reduction of plant output, though a full shutdown was ultimately averted through temporary barges and an ongoing bottom sill construction project.
Did You Know? Plant specialists routinely perform between six and 10 planned turbine restarts annually at the Paksi Atomerőmű, making the technical reconnection process a familiar procedure for the facility’s operators.
Water Levels and Infrastructure Interventions
The weekend reconnection followed significant increases in the Danube’s water level after upstream precipitation reached Hungary from German and Austrian catchment areas. Reporting noted that water levels at Paks rose from -129 centimeters on Monday to -110 centimeters by early Saturday afternoon, allowing block restarts to proceed. The government intervened last Wednesday through two methods to secure cooling water supplies: constructing a bottom sill across the riverbed between Paks and Dunaszentbenedek and sinking two 80-meter fixed barges. Defense Minister Ruszin-Szendi Romulusz reported that barge ballasting was complete and civil vehicles operated by soldiers were supporting continuous stone deliveries for the bottom sill construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reconnect a turbine at the Paksi Atomerőmű?
According to official statements, reconnecting a turbine takes approximately 49 hours, with the final three hours constituting the most critical phase for reaching operational revolutions.
What target power output is the plant expected to reach?
According to Magyar Péter, the power plant is expected to reach its final capacity of 2,000 megawatts by Wednesday.
Why was the power output of the plant reduced previously?
Output was reduced progressively due to drought and low water levels on the Danube river, which threatened the facility’s cooling water supply.