Hungary plans to restore the full capacity of its only nuclear power plant within a week after the drought
Kyiv • UNN
Two of the three halted reactors at the Paks nuclear power plant have resumed operation. The plant is planned to reach 2,000 MW by Wednesday following the drop in the Danube's water level.
Hungary plans to bring its only nuclear power plant, "Paks," back to full capacity by midweek after drought and low water levels in the Danube threatened its operation. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said this, Bloomberg reports, writes UNN.
Details
Two of the three reactors that had been shut down over the past month resumed operations over the weekend. This made it possible to increase electricity generation from approximately 10% at its lowest level to more than half of the plant's capacity.
According to Magyar, "Paks" is expected to reach its full capacity of 2,000 MW by Wednesday. The nuclear power plant provides about 40% of Hungary's electricity.
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Hot weather and drought this summer lowered water levels in European rivers, particularly the Danube, making it more difficult to cool nuclear power plant reactors. Because of production problems, Hungary was forced to increase electricity imports and urge households and businesses to voluntarily reduce consumption.
Hungary is seeking a long-term solution
To prevent a complete shutdown of "Paks," the authorities resorted to emergency measures. In particular, two barges were sunk near the plant and an underwater barrier was built to raise the water level in the Danube.
At the same time, the Hungarian authorities are considering long-term measures because of the risk of recurring droughts. Magyar said that water resource management needed to be modernized and announced that the government was planning comprehensive climate legislation.