Record drought threatens energy supplies as nuclear plants struggle to get cooling water from the depleted Danube.
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Record drought threatens energy supplies as nuclear plants struggle to get cooling water from the depleted Danube.
Hungary came close to a complete shutdown of its only nuclear power plant, according to a statement by Prime Minister Péter Magyar reported by the Guardian. Magyar said the Paks plant was 'within millimetres' of shutting down entirely overnight, but a small, early morning rise in the water level kept its last turbine running safely. The plant already operates at just over 10% capacity because the Danube, which it uses for cooling, is at a record low, making proper cooling impossible. The BBC reported the Soviet-era plant may be forced to shut down entirely for the first time due to these low water levels, with Magyar warning Hungary's energy supply could become 'critical'.
Governments are taking urgent steps to manage energy use and protect the plants. In Hungary, the energy minister said energy-saving measures helped keep the grid secure, with businesses altering shifts and turning off equipment like drink fridges during heatwaves, the Guardian reported. Magyar also asked Hungarians to limit high-energy activities like charging electric cars and using air conditioning between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., and a 'rotational shutdown regime' for some consumers was possible, according to the BBC.
In Romania, one of two reactors at the Cernavodă nuclear plant, which provides about 20% of the country's power, is already shut down due to the low Danube, the BBC reported. The Guardian noted Romanian authorities conducted a controlled explosion to divert the river's flow to help cool the remaining reactor, celebrating a subsequent two-centimetre rise in water levels, with more interventions planned.
The crisis stems from a severe, ongoing drought and heatwave affecting southeastern Europe. The BBC reported the Danube has fallen to its lowest levels in 30 years in several countries, including Serbia and Romania, with temperatures around 37C (98.6F) expected for a week. The Guardian noted forecasts of temperatures nearing 40C (104F) in large parts of Romania.
Climate change is intensifying the problem. The BBC cited data showing Europe is the fastest warming continent, heating up twice as fast as the global average, leading to more severe summer heatwaves, pressure on water resources, and intense wildfires. Hydrological data shows the Danube's flow into Romania is less than a third of its July average and is forecast to fall further.
2 independent outlets filed 4 reports over 10 days. Coverage has been thinning.
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Of the 3 branches it sealed, the one it weights highest is "Paks avoids shutdown as emergency measures and rainfall stabilize the Danube" at 40%.
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The Cernavodă plant, which produces 20% of Romania's electricity, is not expected to be restarted within the next 10 days.
Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia are also grappling with the effects of a series of prolonged heatwaves and low rainfall.
Hungary and Romania face energy crisis as record-low river levels force atomic power plants to reduce output Romanian naval forces carried out a controlled explosion to help redirect vital cooling water from the drought-hit Danube to the country’s last working nuclear reactor, while neighbouring Hungary said it may
PM Péter Magyar says country nearly forced into decision as extreme heat and low water levels in Danube pose challenges in region Meanwhile, Hungary’s prime minister Péter Magyar praised the solidarity of Hungarians after the country faced “the most difficult and critical night” amid a
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