Hungary Moves to Shut Paks Nuclear Plant as Danube Falls to Record Low

Overview

• Hungary reduced output at the Paks nuclear plant and announced a planned full stop after river levels fell, with leaders warning the move could begin over the weekend and into Sunday.
• On Monday the prime minister said engineers had cut the plant's cooling water needs and kept at least one unit operating while adjustments continue, leaving the short‑term status uncertain.
• The government put backup thermal plants on standby, asked industry and households to cut use during evening peak hours, threatened sanctions for large users who do not comply, and said forced disconnections and freight suspensions are possible.
• In the Danube basin, Serbia has cut hydro output sharply with Djerdap 1 at about 20% capacity and Djerdap 2 at about 30%, reducing regional hydro supply and pushing countries to consider higher imports.
• The low Danube reflects months of low rainfall and near‑record heat, a combination that exposes the vulnerability of river‑cooled reactors and hydro dams and could keep electricity supply tight and prices higher for weeks.