Budapest – Hungary’s flagship Paks nuclear power station is on track to resume full output within days, according to Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The plant, which supplies roughly half of the nation’s electricity, restarted its third reactor late Saturday and could be generating its full 2,000 megawatts by Wednesday.
Why the plant was forced to cut output
Earlier this month, an unprecedented drought lowered Danube River levels to historic lows. With the river serving as the plant’s primary coolant source, operators were forced to reduce generation to just over 10 percent of capacity to avoid a total shutdown.
Steps taken to raise water levels
In response, the government has taken several short‑term measures. Two barges were sunk near the facility to temporarily raise the water line, allowing two of the eight turbines to stay online while a permanent river‑bed sill is being built. The sill, a crosswise dam‑like structure at the river bottom, is intended to regulate flow and protect the plant from future low‑water events.
Rising water levels this week, combined with engineering work on the Danube near Paks, have helped the plant avoid a full shutdown and set the stage for a rapid restart.
Prime Minister’s statement
Speaking on Facebook, Magyar said, “Four turbines out of eight are producing electricity already at Paks. Full restart is underway, the nuclear plant could be producing 2,000 megawatts again by Wednesday.” He added that the accelerated timeline is a “day or two sooner than expected,” underscoring the government’s commitment to energy security.
Implications for Hungary’s energy mix
Paks remains a cornerstone of Hungary’s energy strategy, providing a stable, low‑carbon source of power. Restoring the plant to full capacity will help balance the grid as the country continues to integrate renewable sources while maintaining reliable supply for households and industry.
Energy analysts note that the quick recovery also demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency measures such as the barges and the ongoing river‑bed sill project. Both actions are expected to mitigate the impact of future droughts, which climate models predict may become more frequent.
Looking ahead
The government plans to complete the river‑bed sill later this year, creating a more permanent solution to water‑level fluctuations. In the meantime, the temporary barges will remain in place until the sill is operational.
With full power expected by early next week, Hungary can once again rely on Paks to meet a substantial portion of its electricity demand, reinforcing the nation’s broader goal of energy independence and stability.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
