Low Danube Water Levels Threaten Nuclear Power Plants in Central Europe

Extreme drought in Central Europe has triggered critical water level drops in the Danube River, threatening regional energy security and disrupting agricultural exports. The shortage of cooling water for nuclear power plants—essential for reactor safety—has forced several nations to activate emergency electricity supply plans. Nuclear Energy Disruptions The situation is most severe in Hungary, where the Paks nuclear power plant (capacity approximately 2 GW) faces a total shutdown. Water levels near the station have fallen 24 cm below the previous record set in 2018, rendering standard cooling operations impossible. Given that Paks provides nearly half of Hungary's summer electricity consumption, authorities have implemented a three-stage grid support plan. Peter Madjar, Prime Minister: "For the first time in its 42-year history, the Paks nuclear power plant could be completely shut down within the next two to three days."