All articles tagged with #paks nuclear plant
Hungarian authorities are sinking two barges into the Danube River to artificially raise water levels and prevent the shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant. This emergency measure aims to secure cooling water for the facility, which supplies a significant portion of the country's electricity, as record-low river levels threaten a national energy crisis.
Hungary is sinking two barges and building a stone sill in the Danube River to raise water levels at the Paks nuclear plant, which supplies over a third of the country's electricity. Extreme heat and drought have caused record-low water levels, threatening reactor cooling. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the measures on August 15, 2026, after the water level dropped 122 cm below normal. The intervention aims to prevent a forced shutdown of one of the plant's two turbines, which was projected to occur if levels fell further. This follows earlier partial shutdowns and output reductions at Paks due to insufficient cooling water.
The United States and Hungary formalized a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that will expand collaboration on civil nuclear energy, including small modular reactors and spent fuel management, with Hungary set to purchase U.S. nuclear fuel and Holtec International assisting on spent fuel; the pact diversifies Hungary’s energy away from Russia and strengthens U.S. influence in Europe ahead of elections, reflecting the close ties between Viktor Orbán and former President Donald Trump.