Paks nuclear power plant remains operational amid low Danube levels

The Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary remains operational despite record-low water levels in the Danube, thanks to a newly constructed bottom sill. This infrastructure allows for a 60-centimeter water level increase, which is critical for maintaining the cooling processes necessary for the plant’s function.

While the sill has secured energy production, the low water levels have caused a significant collapse in river shipping. The Hungarian Shipping Association reported that the cancellation of shipments is equivalent to approximately 60,000 truckloads of goods. This disruption affects roughly 1.5 million tons of export, import, and transit cargo.

The National Water Directorate noted that without the sill, the water situation at Paks would be critical. Low rainfall in the river's catchment areas means no immediate improvement in water levels is expected. Previously, the low water levels forced the shutdown of the plant's third block in late July, with only two turbines of the second block operating at full capacity since early August.