Hungary and Romania Shut Nuclear Plants Due to Danube Drought Crisis
A severe drought and heatwave have caused record-low water levels in the Danube River, forcing Hungary to completely shut down its Paks nuclear plant (providing ~40% of electricity) and Romania to shut one reactor at Cernavodă. Both countries declared emergencies, with Hungary calling for energy conservation and Romania diverting canal water. The crisis also disrupts Danube shipping, hydropower in Austria, and drinking water supplies, highlighting a broader European energy and water scarcity event.
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Reports are grouped by semantic similarity and deterministic rules. Language models may assist titles, summaries, translation and cross-source analysis; the page reads the event directly, while its address stays stable when the title changes.
- Source updates available; summary pending
Summary pending
Cross-source coverage
Reporting timeline
Danube Drought Threatens Central Europe's Nuclear and Hydropower Supply
A severe drought across Central Europe has caused the Danube River to drop to record low levels, threatening the region's energy supply. Romania used explosives to raise water levels at the Cernavodă nuclear plant's cooling intake, buying only two extra days of operation. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant, which normally supplies half the country's electricity, has cut output to just 240 megawatts and is within millimeters of a complete shutdown. Romania has declared a national state of alert in the energy sector and is importing significant electricity. The drought, which began in May, has affected Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, and Romania, with river flows far below historical averages. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of nuclear and thermal power plants that rely on river water for cooling, as well as hydropower generation.
Read sourceDanube drought threatens Central Europe's nuclear and hydropower supply
A severe drought across Central and Eastern Europe has pushed the Danube River to record low levels, threatening the region's energy supply. Romania used explosives to divert water to its Cernavodă nuclear plant, gaining only two additional days of operation. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant, which normally provides half the country's electricity, cut output to just 240 megawatts and was within millimeters of complete shutdown. Romania shut down Cernavodă unit 1 on July 28 and warned unit 2 could follow within days. The drought has affected Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, and Hungary since May, with the Danube at Pfelling, Bavaria falling to 216 cm (below the 2022 record of 221 cm) and Budapest dropping to 10 cm (previous record 33 cm in 2018). Flow rates entering Romania are at 1,500 cubic meters per second versus the August average of 3,900. Hungary activated protocols for major system disturbance, switched off decorative lighting, and asked companies to reduce evening consumption. Romania declared a national energy alert for August and is importing 1,700 MW of electricity.
Read sourceDanube drought threatens Central Europe's nuclear and hydropower supply
A severe drought across Central Europe has caused the Danube River to drop to record low levels, threatening the region's energy supply. The Danube is critical for cooling nuclear power plants in Romania and Hungary and for hydropower in Serbia. Romania used explosives to divert water to its Cernavodă nuclear plant, buying only two extra days of operation. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant cut output to 240 megawatts, narrowly avoiding a complete shutdown. Both countries have declared energy alerts, implemented conservation measures, and are importing electricity. The drought, ongoing since May, has pushed river gauges below previous records set in 2022 and 2018, with flows expected to fall below historical minimums.
Read sourceShow 17 older updatesHide older updates
Romania Shuts Down Final Nuclear Reactor as Danube Hits 90-Year Low
Romania began shutting down its last operating nuclear reactor at the Cernavoda plant on Thursday due to record-low water levels on the Danube River, the lowest in 90 years. The state-owned operator Nuclearelectrica had already shut down another reactor at the end of July amid a severe European drought and heatwave. The two 706-MW reactors typically generate about a fifth of Romania's electricity. To compensate, Romania has activated a 330-MW coal-fired power plant and will rely more on wind power. The plant director stated a restart is unlikely within ten days. Previous mitigation efforts, including blasting rock formations and sinking barges to divert river flow, only worked temporarily. Hungary is also taking similar measures to protect its Paks nuclear plant, which generates a third of its electricity. The heatwave has also impacted France's nuclear output.
Read sourceLow Danube Water Levels Force Shutdown of Romania's Only Nuclear Power Plant
Romania's only nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, is set to be completely shut down from Thursday due to historically low water levels in the Danube River. The Energy Ministry announced that Reactor 2 will be shut down in a controlled manner because of current hydrological conditions. One of the two reactors had already been shut down in late July. The plant, which typically provides one-fifth of Romania's total electricity production, requires Danube water for cooling. Dredging measures had temporarily allowed continued operation, but the situation has worsened. The government plans to cover the power shortfall through wind power and imports, and has called for responsible electricity consumption. The Danube's water level has fallen to historic lows due to low rainfall and multiple heatwaves. Neighboring Hungary also had to shut down its only nuclear power plant a week and a half earlier.
Read sourceRomania to shut down Cernavoda nuclear plant due to record low Danube water levels
Romania announced it will begin shutting down its only nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, on Thursday after the Danube River's flow fell to a record low, marking the first such shutdown since a 2003 drought. The plant, which generates about a fifth of Romania's electricity, had already shut down one of its two 700MW reactors in late August. Efforts to avert a complete shutdown, including dredging, rock blasting, and sinking barges to divert water, failed despite costing over €2 million. The energy ministry said alternative sources like wind power and imports will cover supply. Neighboring Hungary has so far avoided a full shutdown at its Paks nuclear plant, also cooled by the Danube, but has ordered construction of a submerged weir and stationed barges to raise water levels. Paks has been partially shut since late August.
Romania to shut down nuclear plant due to low Danube
Romania announced it will begin shutting down its only nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, on Thursday after the Danube River's flow fell to a record low, marking the first such shutdown since a 2003 drought. The plant, which generates a fifth of the country's electricity, had already shut one of its two 700MW reactors in late August. Efforts to avert a complete shutdown, including dredging, rock blasting, and sinking barges to divert water, failed despite costing over €2 million. The energy ministry said alternative sources like wind power and imports will cover supply. Neighboring Hungary has avoided a full shutdown at its Paks plant, also cooled by the Danube, but has partially shut down since late August. Hungary's Prime Minister announced construction of a submerged weir and stationing of barges to raise water levels as the Danube is expected to drop further.
Romania to shut down nuclear plant as Danube hits record low
Romania will shut down its only nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, on Thursday after the Danube River fell to a record low, marking the first such shutdown since a 2003 drought. The energy ministry announced the controlled shutdown of Unit 2, following the earlier closure of Unit 1 in late August. Efforts to avert the shutdown, including dredging, rock blasting, and sinking barges to divert water, cost over €2 million but ultimately failed. The plant normally supplies a fifth of Romania's electricity; alternative sources like wind and imports will cover the gap. Neighboring Hungary has also partially shut down its Paks nuclear plant, cooled by the same river, and is building a submerged weir to maintain water levels. The crisis stems from unprecedented heatwaves and rain shortages across Europe this year.
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Plant to Restart as Danube Water Levels Rise
Hungary expects its only nuclear power plant, Paks, to resume electricity production as early as Monday evening after one turbine is switched on, Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced. The plant had been shut down for the first time in 44 years due to record-low Danube water levels caused by summer heatwaves and drought. Recent rainfall in Austrian catchment areas has raised the Danube's water level by 19 centimeters above the previous low point. Romania, facing similar issues at its Cernavoda nuclear plant, successfully blasted a rock formation and sank barges to divert the Danube's flow, securing enough cooling water for at least nine more days of operation. Both countries had been forced to curb nuclear output due to insufficient river water for reactor cooling. Despite the improvement, Hungary continues to call for voluntary electricity consumption reductions amid an ongoing European heatwave.
Hungary PM Announces Closure of Nuclear Plant Due to Heatwave and Low Danube Water Levels
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on August 1, 2026, the shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, the country's sole nuclear facility, due to record-low water levels in the Danube River caused by prolonged drought and extreme heat. The plant, which normally provides about a third of Hungary's electricity, will be completely shut down for the first time in 44 years. The shutdown marks the latest stage of a European energy crisis triggered by successive heatwaves since May. The plant's output will drop to 240 megawatts before a full closure. National weather service HungaroMet forecast highs over 40°C, with a potential 42°C peak matching the national record set earlier in the summer.
Extreme Drought in Hungary Exposes Danube Riverbed, Halts Transport and Threatens Power Supply
An extreme heatwave and drought in Hungary have caused the Danube River to drop to critically low levels, with water depth falling to just 9 centimeters in early August 2026. The drought has halted river freight transport, forced the partial shutdown of a nuclear power plant, and led to orders for large companies to cut electricity consumption. In Budapest, the receding waters have exposed the remains of a bridge destroyed in World War II and created a temporary 'beach' under Margaret Bridge, drawing crowds of curious residents. The government is considering curtailing national day celebrations due to the crisis. Water management authorities warn that low water levels could persist for another 45 to 50 days. Local residents express fear of blackouts and concern over climate change, as the army is deployed to distribute drinking water in towns where supplies have failed.
Read sourceLights out in Budapest: Low Danube water levels force energy-saving measures
Due to a record-low water level in the Danube River, Hungary shut down its only nuclear power plant over the weekend for the first time in decades, as the plant relies on the river for cooling. This has triggered an energy crisis in Budapest, forcing the city to switch off lighting on landmarks including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. The ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, and lack of rainfall have caused the historic low. River cruise traffic on the Budapest section has halted, with ships stranded or rerouted to Komarom. While tourists express disappointment, locals show understanding. The blackout has unexpectedly benefited mayflies, which are attracted to light pollution and now swarm safely over the Danube. Similar austerity measures are reported in Bucharest, Romania.
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Plant Winds Down as Danube Hits Record Low, Far Right Urges Energy Defiance
A historic drought and record-low Danube water levels have triggered an energy crisis in Hungary, forcing the Paks nuclear power plant to gradually reduce output and risk full shutdown due to insufficient cooling water. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced emergency measures to review large industrial consumers' energy and water use and appealed to residents to save electricity during evening hours, but said Hungary can compensate via imports. The far-right blog Vadhajtások, praised by Viktor Orbán, urged Hungarians to increase electricity consumption in defiance. Fidesz criticized Magyar for not acting sooner, while Magyar blamed Orbán's 16-year government for neglecting necessary investments. A conspiracy theory claims Germany, Austria, and Slovakia are holding back Danube water. The Dunamenti gas-fired plant also suffered a malfunction but was repaired by August 2.
Read sourcePaks nuclear plant winds down amid historic Danube low, as far right urges Hungarians to defy calls for energy saving
A historic drought and record-low Danube water levels have triggered an energy crisis in Hungary, forcing the Paks nuclear power plant to reduce output and risk a full shutdown. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced emergency measures to restrict industrial consumption and asked residents to save energy. The far-right blog Vadhajtások, praised by Viktor Orbán, urged supporters to increase electricity use in defiance. Fidesz criticized Magyar for not acting sooner, while Magyar blamed Orbán's 16-year government for neglecting water-pumping investments. A conspiracy theory claims Germany, Austria, and Slovakia are holding back Danube water. The Dunamenti gas plant also suffered a malfunction but was repaired. Hungary says it can compensate via imports, though expert calls Slovakia's offer a political gesture.
Read sourceHungary's Paks nuclear plant winds down as Danube hits record low, far right urges energy defiance
A historic drought and record-low water levels in the Danube River have triggered an energy crisis in Hungary, forcing the Paks nuclear power plant to gradually reduce output and risk a full shutdown due to insufficient cooling water. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced emergency measures to review large industrial consumers' energy and water use and appealed to residents to reduce evening consumption. The far-right blog Vadhajtások, praised by Viktor Orbán, urged Hungarians to keep air conditioning on and freezers at maximum power in defiance of the government's energy-saving calls. Fidesz criticized Magyar for not acting sooner, while Magyar blamed Orbán's 16-year government for neglecting necessary investments. The Dunamenti gas-fired plant also suffered a malfunction but was repaired. Hungary says it can compensate via imports, though experts note limits to direct government intervention in EU power markets.
Read sourceHungary's Paks Nuclear Plant Avoids Shutdown as Danube Water Levels Recover Slightly
Hungary narrowly avoided a full shutdown of its Paks Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday morning as water levels in the Danube River recovered by just millimeters. Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that the plant was 'a few millimetres away' from a complete shutdown at around 1:30 AM, but the water level stopped dropping and rose by 1.5 centimeters by morning, allowing the last remaining turbine to operate safely. The Danube's record lows have raised concerns across the region, with Austria facing impaired hydropower output and Romania's nuclear power output crippled. Throughput in Budapest had dropped to 723 cubic meters per second, down from over 1,000 in mid-July, before recovering to nearly 750 m3/s. German officials predict the Danube will remain far below historical levels through early August, with potential recovery in mid-August. The European Commission is considering a regional discussion with affected member states to coordinate responses.
Read sourceHungary avoids nuclear shutdown by millimetres as Danube water levels recover
Hungary narrowly avoided a full shutdown of its Paks Nuclear Power Plant early Tuesday morning as the Danube River's water levels recovered just in time. Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that at around 1:30 AM, the plant was only millimetres away from a complete shutdown before the water level stopped dropping. The Danube's record lows have raised regional concerns, with Austria facing impaired hydropower output and Romania's nuclear output crippled. Throughput in Budapest had dropped to 723 cubic metres per second, down from over 1,000 in mid-July, but rose to nearly 750 m3/s by Tuesday morning. German officials predict the Danube will remain far below historical levels through early August, with recovery expected by mid-August. The European Commission is considering a regional discussion with affected member states to coordinate responses.
Hungary avoids nuclear shutdown by 'millimetres' as Danube water levels recover
Hungary narrowly avoided a full shutdown of its Paks Nuclear Power Plant early Tuesday morning as the Danube River's water levels recovered just in time. Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that at around 1:30 AM, the plant was only a few millimetres from a complete shutdown before the water level stopped dropping. The Danube's record lows have raised regional concerns, with Austria facing impaired hydropower output and Romania's nuclear power crippled. Throughput in Budapest had dropped to 723 cubic metres per second, down from over 1,000 in mid-July, but rose to nearly 750 m3/s by morning. German officials predict the Danube will remain far below historical levels through early August, with recovery expected by mid-August. The European Commission is considering a regional discussion among affected member states to coordinate responses if the situation worsens.
Read sourceDanube Drought Forces Romania to Blast Rock to Save Nuclear Power Plant
Romania's army has blasted a rock in a Danube river arm near Izvoarele to divert water to the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, which is at risk of shutdown due to historically low water levels. The Danube currently carries only a third of its typical summer volume. One of Cernavoda's two reactors was already shut down last week, and the second could be closed by Thursday if the diversion fails. The plant supplies 20% of Romania's electricity. Automakers Dacia and Ford have suspended production until August 19 to save power. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant is also struggling with low Danube levels but remains operational after reducing cooling water requirements. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared an energy crisis, citing drought impacts on both nuclear and hydroelectric power generation.
Hungary Urges Power Cuts After Historic Nuclear Plant Shutdown Due to Low Danube Levels
Hungary's only nuclear power plant, Paks, was forced offline for the first time in its 44-year history due to critically low water levels on the Danube River. The plant normally supplies about half of Hungary's electricity. To compensate, Hungary has roughly doubled electricity imports from neighboring EU states, primarily Czechia, with average daily imports now over three times higher than in July 2025. The government urged households to avoid using washing machines and dryers between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to ease grid pressure. The situation is expected to worsen as a heatwave pushes temperatures to 40°C, increasing demand. Wholesale electricity prices are spiking, with day-ahead prices approaching €500 per megawatt-hour. Deputy leader Márk Radnai estimated the surge could add between €275 million and €550 million to Hungary's energy bill.