Hungary opens sluice, sinks barges to protect nuclear plant as Danube levels fall

Key facts

• Hungary is undertaking emergency engineering work.
• The work is to combat critically low Danube river levels.
• Authorities are diverting water.
• Authorities are sinking barges.
• The goal is to raise water levels near the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
• The action aims to prevent another shutdown of the plant.
• The Paks Nuclear Power Plant relies on the Danube for cooling.

Hungary is undertaking emergency engineering work to combat critically low Danube river levels, which threaten the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. Authorities are diverting water and sinking barges in an effort to raise the water level near the plant. The primary goal of these actions is to prevent another shutdown of the nuclear facility. The Paks plant requires a consistent and sufficient supply of water from the Danube for its cooling systems. Critically low water levels could compromise these cooling functions, leading to operational disruptions or a complete shutdown. The emergency measures highlight the severe impact of the ongoing drought and low water levels on critical infrastructure in the region.