Hungary shuts down Paks nuclear power plant amid historic Danube water lows

Hungary has completely shut down its Paks nuclear power plant as persistent heatwaves and drought caused water levels in the Danube River to drop to record lows.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the decision on social media, stating that the facility's output initially dropped to 240 megawatts before going completely offline on Sunday. This marks the first time in nearly half a century that the plant has ceased operations entirely. According to reports, the shutdown was executed earlier than previously anticipated due to the rapid decline in cooling water supplied by the river.

The Paks facility typically generates approximately one-third of Hungary's total electricity supply.

Sources: Die Zeit, Sweden Herald.