Hungary and Romania are facing escalating energy challenges due to low water levels in the Danube River, which are impacting key power generation facilities amid a regional heatwave. In Hungary, the Paks nuclear power plant, reliant on Danube water for cooling, is operating at below half capacity and is expected to suspend operations entirely for the first time since it began functioning 44 years ago. The plant’s four Russian-designed reactors have a combined capacity of approximately 2 gigawatts, supplying nearly half of Hungary’s electricity.

The anticipated shutdown of the Paks facility, expected as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, underscores the severity of the water shortage caused by prolonged drought conditions affecting the Danube basin. Reduced river flow not only threatens nuclear power generation but also raises concerns about the broader reliability of the national power grid during the ongoing heatwave, which is driving increased demand for electricity.

Meanwhile, Romania has declared a state of emergency amid similar pressures on its electricity supply. The country’s sole nuclear operator, Nuclearelectrica, has taken one reactor offline in response to the conditions, further limiting domestic power generation capacity. Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced efforts to mitigate the shortage by increasing electricity imports from neighboring countries, including Ukraine, Greece, and Bulgaria.

Both countries are grappling with the dual challenge of diminished generation capacity and heightened energy demand as temperatures ascend. The reliance on external electricity supplies introduces additional variables to the stability of the power networks in the region. Authorities in Hungary and Romania continue to monitor hydrological conditions and coordinate measures to manage the unfolding energy crisis.