Hungary doubles nighttime power imports to 4 GW after Paks nuclear plant shutdown due to low Danube water levels

Published Aug 3, 02:00 AM UTC

Hungary is facing a severe electricity crisis after the temporary shutdown of its only nuclear power plant, Paks, due to low water levels on the Danube River—the first such halt in 44 years. The plant normally supplies about half of the country's electricity. To avoid blackouts, Hungary has doubled its nighttime electricity imports from neighboring countries, primarily Czechia, to around 4 GW per night—more than three times the July 2025 average. The government has urged households to avoid using washing machines and dryers between 5 and 10 p.m. to reduce grid strain. Prime Minister Péter Magyar warned of the most critical five days ahead, with temperatures reaching 40°C and the plant still offline. Wholesale power prices are expected to hit an all-time high of around €500 per megawatt-hour, potentially costing Hungarians between €275 million and €550 million. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of energy systems dependent on river-cooled nuclear plants during extreme weather.