Hungary Shuts Down Nuclear Plant Amid Danube Drought; Greece Wildfires Escalate

POLICY WIRE — Budapest, Hungary — Hungary has fully shut down its sole nuclear power plant for the first time due to record low levels of the Danube River, severely impacting energy supplies and testing the nation’s economy under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar.

The Paks nuclear plant, which had been operating with one reactor, powered down its final reactor later on Sunday. Magyar attributed the shutdown to progressively lower water levels, resulting in insufficient water for cooling purposes at the facility.

“The situation with the Danube is unprecedented, and we had no choice but to take this step to ensure safety and prevent any potential disaster,” Magyar stated.

The shutdown comes as a significant blow to Hungary’s energy infrastructure, which relies heavily on the Paks plant for a substantial portion of its electricity. The government is now exploring alternative energy sources to mitigate the shortfall.

Meanwhile, in Greece, wildfires continue to spread across several regions, exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds. Firefighters are battling blazes in the northern and central parts of the country, with evacuations underway in affected areas.

Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency in multiple regions and are seeking assistance from neighboring countries and the European Union to contain the fires. The situation has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of such natural disasters.

The European Commission has expressed its readiness to provide support to both Hungary and Greece in addressing these crises. “The EU stands ready to assist member states facing such extreme conditions. Climate change is a shared challenge that requires a coordinated response,” a Commission spokesperson said.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)