Hungary nuclear plant water shortage

In late July 2026, Hungary faced an energy crisis after record‑low Danube water levels reduced cooling capacity at the Paksi Nuclear Power Plant. The shortage forced the shutdown of the plant’s third reactor block and halved output from the second block, cutting total generation to roughly 960 MW. Domestic critics, including Fidesz parliamentary faction leader Bóka János, accused Prime Minister Peter Magyar of failing to anticipate the problem and managing the response inadequately.

The following day, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia was prepared to assist Hungary. He noted that Slovak nuclear facilities were operating normally and that Slovak authorities stood ready to intervene if Hungary’s reactor shutdown risk intensified. Hungary was reported to be evaluating additional generation capacity, possible electricity imports, and demand‑reduction measures while briefing the public on the ongoing crisis.