Hungary Uses Sunken Barges to Raise the Danube, Keeping the Paks Nuclear Plant Running

Hungary is taking emergency steps as record-low Danube water levels threaten cooling at the Paks nuclear power plant. Authorities plan to build a submerged riverbed “sill” near Paks to slow the current and raise upstream water, while also sinking two large barges to lift water levels quickly at the plant’s cooling pumps. The plant is operating at reduced output and relies on Danube water for cooling. The measures are intended to prevent shutting down one or both turbines and avoid costly power shortages.