- Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Sunday (August 1, 2026) the shutdown of the country's sole nuclear power plant after record-low water levels in the Danube river forced its first halt in 44 years.
- Magyar posted on X that one of the last two generating units at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant would be shut down at 1:30 a.m. due to the further drop in the Danube's water level.
- Magyar added that the plant's output would fall to just 240 megawatts, with a complete shutdown the next day for the first time in 44 years.
- On Friday, the plant's operator said declining water levels could force Paks to be taken completely offline around the middle of next week.
- National Weather Service HungaroMet forecast highs of over 40C, including a 42C peak predicted for Thursday that would match the national temperature record set earlier this summer.
Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the unprecedented shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant on August 1, 2026, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River. This marks the first complete halt in the plant's 44-year history, which typically supplies nearly half of Hungary's electricity.124
The decision comes amid an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by extreme heat and prolonged drought affecting Europe. The Danube's water levels have plummeted, impacting the plant's cooling systems, which rely on water from the river. Magyar stated, "Due to the further drop in the Danube's water level, one of the last two generating units at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant will be shut down at 1:30 a.m."
As of Friday, the plant's output had already fallen to 240 megawatts, a significant drop from its normal capacity of 2,000 megawatts. The river's level is expected to fall as low as 144cm, far below the previous record of 98cm set in 2018. This situation has led to water-use restrictions in over 100 cities and villages across Hungary, as the government urges companies to reduce water consumption to stabilize the crisis.3
The extreme weather has disrupted various sectors, including shipping, tourism, and agriculture, compounding the challenges faced by a country already struggling with sluggish economic growth. Scientists attribute these unprecedented temperatures to human-caused climate change, highlighting the urgent need for action.
“"Due to the further drop in the Danube's water level," Magyar posted on X, adding that one of the last two generating units at Paks will be shut down at 1:30 a.m., cutting output to 240 MW. HungaroMet forecasts highs over 40C, including a 42C peak Thursday matching the national heat record.”
