Slovak PM Robert Fico pledges aid to Hungary amid Paks nuclear plant water shortage

Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia is ready to help Hungary as the Danube River’s low water level threatens the cooling of the Paks 1 nuclear power plant. A shortage of river water could force a shutdown of the Hungarian reactor, which is currently operating at about 480 MW instead of its normal 2,000 MW. Fico assured that Slovakia’s own nuclear facilities at Mochovce and Jaslovské Bohunice are operating normally and that Slovak authorities stand ready to intervene if needed. He disclosed that he discussed the issue with Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Saková and with Branislav Strýc, the chief executive of Slovenské elektrárne. Hungary is evaluating other generation capacity, possible electricity imports and demand‑reduction measures, while Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has also briefed the public on the crisis.