Hungary to raise Danube level to keep Paks nuclear plant operational

Facing record-low Danube levels caused by prolonged drought and heat waves, Hungary plans to artificially raise the river to keep its sole nuclear facility running. Prime Minister Péter Magyar said a bed sill—a low concrete or stone barrier—will be installed upstream of the Paks plant on Thursday, with roughly 145,000 cubic meters of rocks delivered that evening, potentially increasing water depth by up to a meter. Additionally, two 80-meter barges will be moved to the site and could be sunk to add another 20 centimeters, a choice to be made on Friday.

The plant, built during the Soviet era, is now operating at just over 10% of its 2,000-megawatt capacity, providing roughly one-third of Hungary’s electricity. Magyar warned that without such measures the plant could face a complete shutdown, costing the economy up to 50 billion forints per month, while the river-raising project is estimated at about 6 billion forints.