Hungary PM: Paks nuclear plant to shut down due to heatwave, low Danube water levels

Published Aug 8, 01:34 PM UTC

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.