Hungary Shuts Nuclear Plant as Danube Hits Record Low

Hungary has shut down its Paks nuclear power plant for the first time in its 44-year history due to record low water levels in the Danube River, a consequence of sustained drought across central Europe. The plant, located about 120 km south of Budapest, accounts for 40% of the country's electricity generation. The shutdown began early Sunday when one of the two remaining reactors was taken offline, followed by the final one later in the day, according to Prime Minister Péter Magyar. He cited the progressively lower water levels causing a shortage of cooling water. The plant is currently operating at just over a tenth of its 2,000 megawatt capacity. This unprecedented move strains energy supplies and poses a major test for the economy and the new Prime Minister. The drought has also led to so-called megafires, with wildfires spreading in Greece. In response to similar conditions, neighboring Romania declared a state of alert in the energy sector on Friday after reducing output at its own nuclear plant. The extreme weather is affecting many lives, with multiple consequences beyond energy production.