Drought-driven Danube low water forces nuclear cuts and sparks European power crisis

Severe drought and heatwaves have reduced the Danube to a trickle, crippling power generation in several Central and Southeast European states. In Hungary, the Paks nuclear plant runs at roughly 12% of its capacity because the river’s water is too warm and scarce, prompting the new government of Peter Magyar to call for energy-policy reviews and leading firms like Audi Gyor and MOL to cut output. Romania’s Cernavoda plant has taken one 700-MW reactor offline, while authorities have blasted rock to divert extra water toward the plant’s branch.

Serbia’s coal-fired and hydropower stations face reduced output, yet industrial shutdowns remain limited. By contrast, Slovakia’s nuclear sites use cooling towers, Austria relies on stored-water hydro facilities, and Bulgaria’s Kozloduy plant and large battery storage keep supply stable. The situation underscores how differing energy mixes determine vulnerability to climate-driven water shortages.