Paks Nuclear Power Plant nears full capacity after Danube drought

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary is returning to full operational capacity following a period of restricted output caused by critically low water levels in the Danube. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that the plant is expected to reach its maximum capacity of approximately 2,000 megawatts by Wednesday evening.

The energy crisis, triggered by an unusually severe drought in July and August, forced the gradual reduction of production to ensure adequate cooling water. At the height of the shortage, only one reactor remained operational at half capacity, significantly impacting Hungary’s generation balance and increasing reliance on electricity imports and solar power.

To mitigate the situation, the government implemented emergency measures, including the construction of an underwater barrier and riverbed modifications to raise local water levels near the plant’s intake. As of late August, three of the four reactors were already operating at or near full capacity, with the fourth unit undergoing a successful restart. The grid operator, Mavir, has subsequently withdrawn the electricity supply crisis classification.