Record Heat, Drought Push Hungary Toward Historic Full Paks Nuclear Plant Shutdown

Hungary is preparing for a historic complete shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant as record-low Danube water levels prevent the plant’s cooling system from drawing enough water. Prime Minister Péter Magyar said the full stoppage could come within 24 to 72 hours, driven by an ongoing heatwave and persistent drought with little rain expected. Output at Paks has already been reduced block by block, while a separate technical issue at a gas plant has further tightened supplies. A contingency plan includes imports and peak-demand cuts.